public law vs. private law

Also called public act, a law or statute of a general character that applies to the people of a whole state or nation.

a branch of law dealing with the legal relationships between the state and individuals and with the relations among governmental agencies. Compare private law.

public international law.

a branch of law dealing with the legal relationships of private individuals. Compare public law ( def 2 ).

a statute affecting only one person or a small number of persons directly.