Public Law Definition: Public law governs the relationship between individuals and the state, as well as the structure and operation of government itself.

    • Regulates Government Action: It involves laws that regulate the functions of government and its interactions with individuals.
    • Interest of Society: Public law is designed to protect the public interest and ensure that government actions are lawful and just.
    • Types of Public Law:
        1. Constitutional Law: Governs the structure and function of government entities and establishes the rights of citizens.
        2. Administrative Law: Regulates the actions of governmental agencies and ensures they do not exceed their constitutional or statutory authority.
        3. Criminal Law: Defines offenses against the state or society and establishes punishment for these offenses.
        4. International Law: Governs relationships between countries and international organizations.
Examples:
    • Criminal cases where the state prosecutes an individual for a crime.
    • Constitutional challenges to government laws or actions.
    • Regulations governing administrative agencies.

Private Law Definition: Private law governs the relationships between individuals and private entities, focusing on the rights and duties that individuals owe to one another.

    • Individual Interests: It primarily addresses disputes among private individuals or organizations, focusing on their personal rights and responsibilities.
    • Contractual Relationships: Many issues dealt with by private law arise from agreements and contracts between parties.
    • Types of Private Law:
        1. Contract Law: Governs the agreements made between individuals or entities.
        2. Tort Law: Deals with civil wrongs and damages caused by one party to another, excluding breaches of contract.
        3. Property Law: Governs the rights and responsibilities regarding the ownership and use of property.
        4. Family Law: Addresses issues such as marriage, divorce, child custody, and adoption.
Examples:
    • A lawsuit between two individuals over a breach of contract.
    • A divorce settlement between spouses.
    • A case involving personal injury claims.
    • Tribunals within a Private Member Association

Public law focuses on the relationships between individuals and the government, with an emphasis on matters that affect society as a whole, while private law deals with interactions and disputes between private individuals or entities, focusing on personal rights and responsibilities. Understanding the distinction between these two areas of law is crucial for navigating legal issues effectively.