In a New York criminal case caption, which phrase is typically the first line?

• A. The State of New York
• B. United States
• C. The People of the State of New York
• D. We the People

Answer: (C)

In New York criminal cases, the proceeding is brought in the name of the People of the State of New York. The first line of the caption uses that exact phrase because the People act as the prosecutor on behalf of the state. It signals that the case is a criminal matter initiated by the state’s attorney (like the district attorney) rather than a private civil dispute or a federal matter.

The other options don’t fit this context. The State of New York is typically seen in civil matters or generic references, not as the formal caption for a criminal prosecution. The United States would be used for federal cases, not a New York state criminal case. We the People is not the standard caption language for court filings.