Public law encompasses all legal norms and principles that govern the interactions between individuals and the state, as well as the structures within the state itself and its various branches. It serves as the framework for political and administrative activity, setting out the functions and powers of government institutions and officials. This area of law is rooted in the constitution, which provides the fundamental rules and rights within a country, establishing the division of powers and outlining the structure of government.

This legal domain consists of various subfields, including constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal law. Constitutional law is involved with the interpretation and application of the national constitution, while administrative law oversees the actions of government agencies, ensuring they operate within the law. Criminal law, another branch of public law, is concerned with behaviours that are prohibited by the state and punishable through its criminal justice system.

The role of public law is critical because it not only regulates the conduct of the state, its bodies, and officials but also seeks to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals. It provides the means for individuals to challenge the legality of government decisions or actions, thereby upholding the rule of law and ensuring that the government itself remains accountable to the governed.

Fundamentals of Public Law

Public law involves the structure and operations of governments and their relationships with individuals and other governments. It sets the framework for the creation and enforcement of public policy.

Concept and Principles

Public law underpins the legal framework of government action and the principles of governance. It encompasses the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law, ensuring government operates within the law. This area of law incorporates constitutional law, which details the fundamental principles and established precedents that govern a country, and administrative law, managing the actions and operations of government agencies. Public law also includes criminal law, where the state prosecutes individuals or entities for actions deemed to be against the best interests of society.

The foundational principles of public law ensure that government actions are lawful, rational, fair, and proportionate. This maintains the trust and confidence of the public in the government’s actions.

Legislative Process and Statutes

The legislative process involves the creation, amendment, or repeal of legislation, which often takes the form of statutes or acts of Parliament. In the United States, the legislative process includes several stages: introduction of a bill, committee review, debate, voting, and presidential assent. Throughout this process, Congress, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, is responsible for considering and passing legislation that will become part of the United States Statutes at Large upon enactment.

The United States Statutes at Large is a series of publications that cover all the laws and resolutions enacted during each session of Congress. These statues provide a permanent collection of the important documents of public law, ensuring transparency and accessibility for the public, practitioners, and scholars alike.

Institutional Framework

The institutional framework of public law encompasses the structured interactions between the legislature, executive, and judiciary. These entities operate within a system of checks and balances to ensure the lawful governance of a nation.

Role of Congress

The role of Congress—the principal legislative body—encompasses drafting, debating, and passing laws. Comprising two houses, it represents the institution where elected officials act as the voice of the populace. Legislation initiated here reflects the will of the people and addresses societal needs. Once Congress agrees on a bill, it is sent to the President for approval. If signed, it is recorded by the Office of the Federal Register and becomes law.

Executive Responsibilities

The Executive branch, headed by the President, executes and enforces laws. Responsibilities include domestic and foreign affairs, defence, and administration. The President, as the executive leader, has the authority to sign a bill into law or veto it, which can be overruled only by a significant majority in Congress.

Judiciary System

The Judiciary System interprets laws and adjudicates legal disputes. It ensures that the application of laws is consistent with the constitution. Judicial review, a key function, subjects executive and legislative actions to scrutiny, maintaining the balance of power. Courts at various levels, from local to supreme, form a hierarchical structure for legal redress and interpretation.

Interpretation and Enforcement

The section delves into the intricate processes of how public law is applied and enforced, focusing particularly on administrative justice and judicial review. It illustrates how accountability is upheld within these frameworks and the role tribunals play in delivering justice.

Administrative Justice

Administrative justice concerns itself with ensuring fair and lawful decision-making within public administration. Tribunals often serve as the mechanism for this justice, acting as specialised bodies that handle disputes between individuals and public authorities. They operate with a focus on expertise, efficiency, and accessibility, making the complex web of administrative regulations more manageable for citizens. In the UK, the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 structures these tribunals into a coherent system, thereby enhancing accountability and consistency in delivering administrative justice.

Judicial Review

Judicial review is the process by which courts scrutinise the legality of decisions or actions taken by public bodies. This judicial oversight serves as a crucial check on the executive, ensuring that decisions abide by the law, respect individual rights, and do not exceed the prescribed powers. When a person or entity believes that a decision by a public body is incorrect or unjust, they may apply to the High Court for a judicial review. This procedural tool reinforces the principle of legal accountability and the rule of law, sustaining public confidence in governance.

Through these processes, the enforcement of public law upholds democratic principles, allowing for the interpretation of laws to reflect justice and fairness consistently.