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LSDefine
Simple English definitions for legal terms
public law
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A quick definition of public law:
Public law is the set of rules that govern the relationship between individuals and the government, as well as the way the government works. It includes laws related to the constitution, crimes, and administration. Public laws affect everyone and are published in official documents like the Statutes at Large and the U.S. Code. They are also known as public statutes or general statutes.
A more thorough explanation:
Public law refers to the body of law that deals with the relationship between the government and private individuals, as well as the structure and operation of the government itself. It includes constitutional law, criminal law, and administrative law.
For example, a federal law that affects the general public, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, is considered a public law. These laws are first published in Statutes at Large and eventually collected by subject in the U.S. Code.
Public law is important because it helps to regulate the actions of the government and protect the rights of individuals. It ensures that the government operates within the bounds of the law and that citizens are treated fairly and justly.