Definition

1. Noun:
   • A law affecting the public at large: This term refers to a branch of law that governs the relationship between individuals and the state, or between different organs of the state. It deals with matters that concern society as a whole, such as constitutional principles, administrative procedures, and criminal offenses.

Usage

• Public law is typically contrasted with private law, which governs relationships between private individuals or entities (e.g., contract law, property law).
• It is used to describe the legal framework that authorizes and regulates government action.
• Example: "Constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal law are all core components of public law."

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "A question of public law": A legal issue that involves the interpretation or application of statutes, regulations, or principles governing state authority and public rights.
  • Whether the agency exceeded its authority is a fundamental question of public law.

Variants and Related Words

• Public lawyer (n): A legal professional who specializes in public law.
  • As a public lawyer, she often represents clients against government departments.
• Public law litigation (n): Legal cases that involve challenges to government action or seek to enforce public rights.
  • The case evolved into a complex piece of public law litigation.

Synonyms

• Constitutional law (when referring to its foundational subset).
• Administrative law (when referring to its subset governing government agencies).

Related Phrases

• Rule of law: A fundamental public law principle that all institutions, entities, and people are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated.
  • A strong system of public law is essential for maintaining the rule of law.
• Act of Parliament/Statute: A primary source of public law created by the legislature.
  • The Health and Safety Act is a key public law statute.

Noun

1. a law affecting the public at large