public law

noun

1. : an enactment of a legislature that affects the public at large throughout the entire territory (as a state or nation) which is subject to the jurisdiction of the legislature or within a particular subdivision of its jurisdiction : general law — called also public act, public statute; compare local law 1a

2. a : the area of law that deals with the relations of individuals with the state and regulates the organization and conduct of government — compare private law

   b : international law regulating the relations among sovereign states or nations as distinguished from private international law