Final answer:
Public law pertains to legal principles and policies affecting the government's structure and society, including accountability, just laws that protect rights and properties, and open government processes. It contrasts with private law by encompassing broad subjects like health care and civil rights, addressing large segments of society or society as a whole, and guiding behavior for public interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing public law, it refers to legal frameworks addressing the structure and operation of governments and their relationships with individuals and society at large. Public law includes principles such as accountability, wherein both government and private actors are held responsible under the law, ensuring no one is above it. It also advocates for just laws that are clear, publicized, stable, evenly applied, and protection of fundamental rights, inclusive of those that assure security for persons and property. Lastly, public law emphasizes open government, denoting that the processes involved in formulating, administering, and enforcing laws should be accessible, fair, and efficient.
Public laws, contrasted with private laws, are developed by policy decisions made by governments, like a law, regulation, or ruling, aimed at guiding human behavior for the public interest. They are not confined to specifics but tend to cover broad subject matters that affect larger segments of society or society as a whole. Examples of public law include legislation concerning the economy, health care, civil rights, defense, and foreign policy, such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.