state

Definition 1

Law: (Written often with an uppercase or capital letter 'S') entity that prosecutes persons accused of criminal wrong-doing as the representative of the people of a state.

Definition 2

Politics: (Written usually with a lowercase or common letter 's') Geographical area within defined territorial boundaries and with a distinct set of political institutions, ruled by a government through laws conformance to which is imposed by force (if necessary) in the common interest. Whereas the term 'state' emphasizes a self-governing legal and political entity, 'nation' emphasizes a particular community of people with shared culture and history, and 'country' the physical dimensions and boundaries of a geographical area.