What encompasses public law?

Public law refers to the body of law that governs the relationship between individuals and the government. This area of law regulates matters that affect society as a whole, including the powers of government and the rights of citizens. Key categories under public law include constitutional law, which outlines the framework of government and the rights of individuals; criminal law, which pertains to offenses against the state; administrative law, which regulates the actions of government agencies; and taxation law, which establishes the rules for tax obligations imposed on citizens and businesses.

These areas are vital because they ensure that government actions are lawful and that individuals are protected from abuses of power. By encompassing these significant aspects of legal governance, public law plays a crucial role in maintaining order and protecting the rights of individuals within society. Other options, while relevant to legal practices or specific areas of law, do not capture the scope of public law as comprehensively as this choice does.