Public law facts for kids

Public law is a type of law that deals with how individuals and groups interact with the government. It also covers how the government itself is set up and how it works. Think of it as the rules that keep the government fair and organized, and that protect people's rights when dealing with official bodies.

Public law is different from private law, which handles disagreements between individuals or private groups, like contracts or property disputes.

What is Public Law?

Public law is all about the rules that control how the government acts and how it relates to its citizens. It makes sure that the government uses its power correctly and doesn't overstep its boundaries. It also sets out the rights and duties of people when they are dealing with government bodies.

Types of Public Law

Public law is usually divided into a few main areas:

Constitutional Law

Constitutional law is like the rulebook for a country. It sets up the basic structure of the state, including how the government is formed, what powers it has, and what rights citizens have. For example, a constitution might say that a country has a president or a parliament, and it will list important freedoms like the right to speak freely or the right to vote. It's the most important law in a country, and all other laws must follow it.

Administrative Law

Administrative law focuses on the daily work of the government. It sets out the powers and duties of government departments, agencies, and officials. This type of law makes sure that these parts of the government act fairly and follow proper procedures when they make decisions. For instance, if a government agency decides whether someone can get a certain permit, administrative law ensures they do it correctly and transparently.

Criminal Law

Criminal law is about preventing and punishing actions that are harmful to society. The state (the government) decides what actions are considered crimes, like theft or vandalism. It also sets the penalties for these crimes. If someone breaks a criminal law, the government investigates and can take them to court. The goal is to protect everyone and keep society safe.

See also

• In Spanish: Derecho público para niños