public law

noun

1. Also called public act, a law or statute of a general character that applies to the people of a whole state or nation.
2. a branch of law dealing with the legal relationships between the state and individuals and with the relations among governmental agencies. Compare private law.
3. public international law.

public law

noun

1. a law that applies to the public of a state or nation
2. See private law
   the branch of law that deals with relations between a state and its individual members Compare private law

Word History and Origins

Origin of public law¹

First recorded in 1765–75

Example Sentences

The whole public law of Europe had its origin in equivocal expressions, beginning with the Salique law.

From Project Gutenberg

Two great concessions were given by this act, one in the field of private and the other in the field of public law.

From Project Gutenberg

The absence of settled public law and the influence of direct democracy made a complete ministry of finance impossible.

From Project Gutenberg

As little doubt can exist that the French decrees were equally at variance with the public law.

From Project Gutenberg

He showed that such a declaration was inconsistent with no principle of public law, and forbidden by no prudential consideration.

From Project Gutenberg