CONTROVERSY

n. disagreement, debate, argument

A controversy or dispute is a matter of opinion over which parties actively disagree, argue, or debate. Controversies can range in size from private disputes between two individuals to large-scale disagreements between societies. Perennial areas of controversy include religion, philosophy and politics. Controversy in matters of  theology has traditionally been particularly heated, giving rise to the phrase odium theologicum. Controversial issues are held as potentially divisive in a given society, because they can lead to tension and ill will. Some controversies are considered taboo to many people, unless a society can find a common ground to share and discuss its people's feelings on a certain controversial issue.
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Noun
1. a contentious speech act; a dispute where there is strong disagreement; "they were involved in a violent argument"
(synonym) contention, contestation, disputation, disceptation, tilt, argument, arguing
(hypernym) dispute, difference, difference of opinion, conflict
(hyponym) argy-bargy, argle-bargle

(n.)
Quarrel; strife; cause of variance; difference.
  

(n.)
Contention; dispute; debate; discussion; agitation of contrary opinions.
  

(n.)
A suit in law or equity; a question of right.
  

A dispute arising between two or more persons. It differs from case, which includes all suits criminal as well as civil; whereas controversy is a civil and not a criminal proceeding.

By the Constitution of the United States the judicial power shall extend to controversies to which the United States shall be a party. Art.2, S.1. The meaning to be attached to the word controversy in the Constitution is that above given.
   

This entry contains material from Bouvier's Legal Dictionary, a work published in the 1850's.