public law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Legal
Quick answer
What does “public law” mean?
The branch of law that governs the relationship between individuals and the state, and the structure and operation of the government itself.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The branch of law that governs the relationship between individuals and the state, and the structure and operation of the government itself.
The body of legal principles, statutes, and case law concerning constitutional, administrative, criminal, and tax law, as opposed to private disputes between individuals or organisations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core concept is identical. The US system may place more emphasis on constitutional law as the supreme public law due to its codified constitution. The UK system is more rooted in parliamentary sovereignty and uncodified constitutional principles.
Connotations
In the UK, it strongly connotes administrative law (judicial review) and constitutional principles. In the US, it often immediately connotes constitutional rights and the limits of government power.
Frequency
Equally frequent in legal and academic contexts in both varieties. Slightly more common in everyday US discourse due to frequent public discussion of constitutional issues.
Grammar
How to Use “public law” in a Sentence
[Subject] specialises in public law.The decision was challenged under public law.This is a matter of public law.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “public law” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The claimant sought to judicially review the decision, a classic public law remedy.
- The tribunal's jurisdiction is defined by public law statutes.
American English
- The statute public-lawed the relationship between the agency and citizens.
- They argued the state action was unconstitutional under public law principles.
adverb
British English
- The case was argued public-lawly, focusing on procedural fairness.
American English
- The court analysed the issue public-law-wise, assessing government power.
adjective
British English
- She is a public law barrister.
- The public law implications of the treaty are significant.
American English
- He took a public law approach to the problem.
- The firm has a strong public law practice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except for regulatory compliance issues which touch on administrative law.
Academic
Primary context. Refers to a major field of legal study and research.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used in news about major constitutional or government accountability cases.
Technical
Core legal term. Used precisely to distinguish from private law matters like contract or tort.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “public law”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “public law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “public law”
- Using 'public law' to refer to any law that is publicly known. (Incorrect: 'The new tax rates are public law now.')
- Confusing it with 'common law' (a different legal system tradition).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, typically. Criminal law involves the state prosecuting an individual for a breach of rules set by the state, making it a core part of public law.
Public law governs relationships between the individual and the state (or between state bodies). Private law governs relationships between individuals or private entities (e.g., contract, property, family law).
Yes, though many specialise. A lawyer might work on a case with both elements, e.g., a commercial contract heavily regulated by the state (private law contract, public law regulation).
No. 'Public law' usually means domestic (national) public law. 'Public international law' governs relations between states and international organisations.
The branch of law that governs the relationship between individuals and the state, and the structure and operation of the government itself.
Public law is usually formal, academic, legal in register.
Public law: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpʌblɪk ˈlɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpʌblɪk ˈlɔ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A public law challenge”
- “A point of public law”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'PUBLIC' as in the public sector/government. PUBLIC LAW is the law about how the government itself must operate and interact with the public.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS A PERSON SUBJECT TO RULES (Public law is the rulebook for the state-person's behaviour).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is most clearly a subject within 'public law'?