Difference Between Private International Law and Public International Law

Public international law and private international law differ in their scope and application. Public international law governs the relationships between states, international organizations, and entities with global legal personalities. It addresses matters such as treaties, human rights, and international disputes. On the other hand, private international law, also known as conflict of laws, deals with legal conflicts involving individuals and entities across different jurisdictions. It helps determine which legal system and laws are applicable when a dispute spans multiple countries.

Meaning of Public International Law

Historically, international law primarily focused on the relationships between nations. However, it has evolved from being solely concerned with the power dynamics of individual states to encompassing other subjects, including individuals and organizations. This branch of law was once known as "jus gentium" or the law of nations.

While public international law continues to govern interactions between states, it now also involves individuals and organizations. This shift is significant because some multinational corporations have revenues that surpass the GDP of certain countries, giving them considerable influence. These corporations form networks, collaborate, and establish their own rules.

In some cases, when these companies relinquish certain controls, they begin to operate in ways similar to sovereign states. This is particularly evident in countries like the United States, where corporations can play a substantial role in shaping legislation.

Meaning of Private International Law

Private International Law, also known as conflict of laws, comes into play when different legal systems conflict on a specific issue. It involves rules that decide which legal system and jurisdiction should be applied to resolve a particular dispute.

During colonial times, India was a land of diverse cultures and beliefs, leading to conflicts between British laws and local personal laws. Different communities followed their own set of laws, which often clashed with the British legal system.

Before and even after India gained independence, there were distinct legal systems for British India and the native Indian princely states. In British India’s judicial system, judgments from princely state courts were treated as international judgments, creating conflicts between different regions.

As a British colony, Indian merchants engaged in international trade, leading to legal disputes with an international dimension. Due to its colonial ties, India adopted many British rules related to private international law. However, even after independence, India has struggled to develop a comprehensive set of laws in this area.

Difference Between Private and Public International Law

The Nature of Law

Public International Law deals with the relationships between countries, international organizations, and other entities that hold legal status on the global stage. It addresses significant matters like the use of force, diplomatic privileges, human rights, global trade, and the rights and responsibilities of nations in their interactions. All nations are required to adhere to this type of law, which can be customary or treaty-based.

On the other hand, Private International Law focuses on the legal relationships between private individuals, businesses, and other entities conducting activities across different countries. It handles issues like recognizing and enforcing foreign judgments, determining applicable laws, and deciding on appropriate jurisdictions. While nations are not bound by Private International Law, their national legal systems recognize it as a set of rules and principles that govern international transactions.

Thus, Private International Law and Public International Law differ in their legal foundations, guiding principles, and enforcement mechanisms. Private International Law is grounded in the laws of individual countries, international agreements, and principles of comity. Public International Law, meanwhile, is primarily built on treaties and established practices. Enforcement of Private International Law typically occurs through domestic courts and arbitration, while Public International Law is enforced through diplomatic means, international courts and tribunals, and sometimes economic actions like sanctions.

Scope of the Law

Private International Law aims to resolve legal conflicts and provide clarity to parties involved in cross-border transactions. Its main purpose is to avoid clashes between different legal systems applicable to a particular dispute by creating a framework to harmonize these systems. This field covers several key legal areas, including:

• Jurisdiction: Private International Law determines which legal authority has the right to hear a case involving parties from different countries.
• Choice of Law: It establishes rules for deciding which set of laws should govern a dispute involving parties from different legal jurisdictions.
• Enforcement and Recognition of Foreign Judgments: It outlines the conditions under which decisions made in one country can be recognized and enforced by courts in another country.

Public International Law, in contrast, addresses a broader range of issues related to international relations and global governance. The scope of Public International Law includes:

• State Sovereignty: It governs how states interact concerning their rights and responsibilities, covering topics like the use of force, treaty-making, and recognizing new states.
• International Human Rights: It sets up a global system for protecting human rights, establishing international organizations to monitor and enforce these standards, including the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
• International Trade: It guides the actions of states and international organizations in trade and investment, addressing areas like intellectual property rights, trade barriers, tariffs, and investment protection.

Sources of the Law

Private International Law, also known as the conflict of laws, primarily derives its principles from the legal rules of individual countries. These rules are found in national laws and are also laid out in agreements, conventions, model regulations, legal guidelines, and other tools that govern international transactions.

The sources of private international law, which handles cases involving different legal systems or foreign elements, include:

• National Laws: The core of private international law is based on the laws of individual countries. These laws vary from nation to nation. Private international law rules are incorporated into each country’s legal system, either through legislation or through legal principles developed by court decisions.
• International Conventions: In certain areas of private international law, such as international trade, family law, or international arbitration, international agreements or treaties may establish uniform rules. These agreements are signed by states or international organizations. Examples include the Hague Convention on International Child Abduction and the New York Convention on Arbitral Awards.
• Model Laws and Guidelines: Global organizations like the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) have developed model rules and guidelines for specific aspects of private international law.

On the other hand, public international law, which deals with matters between nations on a global level, draws its sources from:

• Treaties: These are agreements between states or international organizations that establish legal obligations. They cover a wide range of issues, including human rights, trade, and the environment. Treaties play a crucial role in international law.
• Customary International Law: Over time, states have followed unwritten rules and practices that have evolved into customary international law. These rules become legally binding through consistent and widespread practice by states.
• General Legal Principles: These are legal principles recognized by national legal systems and applicable internationally. They include concepts like the right to a fair trial and the prohibition of discrimination.

Enforcement and Jurisdiction for Private and Public International Law

In public international law, there isn’t a centralized system for enforcement. Countries adhere to international law because they choose to do so, often through diplomatic negotiations, economic sanctions and the rulings of international courts and tribunals.

In contrast, private international law doesn’t have its own enforcement mechanisms. Instead, it helps courts in different countries decide which legal rules to apply when handling cases with international elements. It guides them in determining the appropriate jurisdiction and which country’s laws should be used in a particular dispute.

Therefore, enforcement and jurisdiction in public and private international law operate differently.

Relationship to Individuals

• Public international law primarily focuses on the rights and responsibilities of nations and international organizations. While it can impact individuals through human rights and humanitarian laws, individuals typically cannot directly invoke public international law.
• Private international law directly affects individuals and private entities involved in cross-border legal disputes. It helps define their rights and obligations and provides mechanisms for resolving conflicts between different legal systems.

Aspect Comparison