A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Ad vindictam publicam is a Latin term used in Scots law to refer to the act of punishing a criminal for the purpose of protecting the public interest.

Example: When a person commits a crime, the government may prosecute them ad vindictam publicam, meaning that they are punishing the criminal not just for the harm they caused to the victim, but also for the harm they caused to society as a whole.

Explanation: The example illustrates how ad vindictam publicam is used in the context of criminal law. It shows that the purpose of punishment is not just to seek justice for the victim, but also to protect the public interest by deterring others from committing similar crimes. This concept is important in understanding the role of the criminal justice system in society.