private law

noun

1. a branch of law dealing with the legal relationships of private individuals. Compare public law ( def 2 ).
2. a statute affecting only one person or a small number of persons directly.

private law

noun

1. the branch of law that deals with the rights and duties of private individuals and the relations between them Compare public law

Word History and Origins

Origin of private law¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

The lawsuit, filed on behalf of veterans by the nonprofit Public Counsel, the Inner City Law Center and two private law firms, alleged that the VA failed in its fiduciary duty to provide housing for disabled and homeless veterans on the campus.

From Los Angeles Times

A private law firm that is representing the defendants, including the city, has asked a judge for more time before responding to Klotz’s suit in court.

From Los Angeles Times

The new lawsuit, filed last November on behalf of the veterans by Public Counsel, the Inner City Law Center and two private law firms, alleges that the VA has reneged on its responsibility to veterans by contracting with the outside housing developers, kicking off a process that is time-consuming and excludes some disabled veterans because of the income thresholds.

From Los Angeles Times

Blanche, as the Washington Post reported, "previously worked at the prestigious federal prosecutor’s office in Manhattan," even working alongside Bragg before going to a private law firm.

From Salon

County sex crimes prosecutor who is now in private law practice, said investigators would likely seek authorization to “search for videos or photographs on any devices connected to the target ... anywhere where digital images can be found in connection to sexual conduct that would have been recorded.”

From Los Angeles Times