Public law, or the law relating to the constitution and functions of government and its officers and the administration of criminal justice. Also public ownership, or the paramount or sovereign territorial right or title of the state or government. See Jus PRIVATUM. Jus publicum et privatum quod ex natnralibus prrcceptis aut gentium aut civilibus est collectum; et quod in jure scripto jus appellatur, id in lege An- glise rectum esse dicitur. Co. Litt. 185. Public and private law is that which is collected from natural principles, either of nations or in states; and that which in the civil law is called “jus.” in the law of England is said to be “right.” Jus publicum privatorum pactis mn- tari non potest. A public law or right cannot be altered by the agreements of private persons.
