avalikõiguslikku

Avalikõiguslikku, meaning public law, is a field of law that governs the organization and powers of the state and the relationship between public authorities and individuals. It is typically contrasted with tsiviilõiguslikku (private law), which regulates legal relationships between private persons and private entities.

Core branches include constitutional law, administrative law, and criminal law, as well as the procedural rules that govern how public enforcement and administration operate. Key sources are the Constitution, acts enacted by the Riigikogu (parliament), government regulations, and European Union law that affects Estonia. Public-law norms establish the framework for public power, protect fundamental rights, and provide mechanisms for accountability.

Public-law institutions include the parliament, government, ministries, courts (including administrative and constitutional courts), and regulatory bodies. Individuals can challenge public-law acts in courts on grounds such as illegality, violations of due process, or infringements of rights. Typical areas where public-law rules apply include administrative decisions, taxation and budget matters, licensing, public procurement, and police powers. In criminal matters, the state prosecutes offences under criminal law following due process.

Studying avalikõiguslikku involves understanding how public power is constrained and controlled, and how national and European Union law interact. Professionals in this field may work as prosecutors, government lawyers, or judges in administrative or constitutional courts, and they frequently engage with regulatory agencies and public policy.