-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
private law
noun
: a branch of law concerned with private persons, property, and relationships compare public law
Examples of private law in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Madigan is also accused of using his position of power to steer business to his private law firm.
—Jim Talamonti | The Center Square Contributor, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Jan. 2025
But, more significantly, the states have had aggressive attorneys, working for public agencies or private law firms, who have stepped in to protect consumers from high rates.
—Joel Jacobs, ProPublica, 15 Jan. 2025
After the attorney general’s office hired a private law firm to help take on big oil companies, the union fears that the state might tap outside counsel to handle other, high-profile cases against Trump.
—William Melhado, Sacramento Bee, 6 Jan. 2025
Claire Seaborn, former Chief of Staff to Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, now in energy, environmental and climate policy at Tory’s, a private law firm.
—Joan Michelson, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for private law
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1773, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near private law
Cite this Entry
“Private law.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/private%20law. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Legal Definition
private law
noun
: a branch of law concerned with private persons, property, and relationships compare public law
More from Merriam-Webster on private law
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about private law
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share