What does "public law" govern?

Public law governs the relationship between individuals and the state. This area of law encompasses various domains, including constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal law. Its primary focus is on issues that affect society as a whole rather than interactions solely between private parties.

For example, public law is concerned with how laws are created and enforced by governmental entities, the rights of citizens in relation to the government, and how public organizations operate. Through public law, the state can regulate behavior, protect public interests, and ensure justice in societal matters. This distinction is crucial because it differentiates public matters involving governmental authority from private disputes where personal conflicts or interests are key players.

The other choices represent areas that fall under private law or organizational frameworks and do not address the broader implications of government and society interactions, which are central to public law.