Public and

Private Law
Dr Kiran Gardner
Public Law
 Public
law is the body of law which governs
the exercise of powers of the government
and public authorities. It controls public
agencies or bodies acting in a public capacity
and covers three main subdivisions:
 Constitutional,
 Administrative, and
 Criminal law.
What is public Law?
 Public law controls public agencies or bodies acting
in a public capacity. Agencies like local authorities
or government departments are public bodies. The
following public administrative bodies can be
named as public bodies: Government ministers,
departments, and agencies, local authorities,
health authorities, the police, prisons, courts, or
any other regulatory and monitoring bodies.
Importance of Public Law
 Generally,a large number of people are affected
by the decision of a public body at some point.
For instance, pension applicants, asylum
seekers, disabled persons, patients, prisoners,
school children and their parents, etc. obtain
some services provided by the government.
Thus our lives, when interacting with the
government or any of its delegated authorities
are governed by public law. 
 The public law seeks to regulate the abuse of
the sovereign power.
Private Law
 The body of law which govern the
relationship between private individuals is
known as the private law. It covers various
key areas of law; contracts, property,
equity and trusts, torts, succession, and
family law are the most imperative.
How does Private Law function?

 The private parties generally enjoy the freedom to enter into a legal
relationship with the other, while also being able to mutually
influence the contents of their legal relationship i.e. the rights and
obligations of each other. Thus, each party entering into a
relationship under private capacities can propose or disagree on
what the other party might suggest; thus, equality between the
parties is adhered to, in a number of areas in the private law.  This
area of law is termed private law or civil law since the parties
involved are able to act freely in their private interest as private
individuals or citizens.
 Private Law

Private
Law

Contract Tort Property Family Trust

Difference Between Public and Private Law

Public Private
Public Law protects public interest Private Law protects private interest

State and individuals are the main Private entities or Private organizations
parties are the main parties

It ensure public interest of the Safeguards private interest like

population is safeguarded. freedom of individuals in the
community
Regulates relation between State and Regulates activities between
Individuals individuals and organizations.

Punishment is severe Compensation/damages are usually

awarded.
Have a great
day