‘Public service’ : ‘Public officers’ - ‘Public sector’ : ‘Public officials’

Abstract

One area that often confuses students in administrative law is understanding the difference between the "public service" and the "public sector." While this may seem like a minor distinction, it’s actually crucial because each carries its own legal implications. Grasping these differences is essential, as they shape how we interpret legal responsibilities and jurisdictions. As someone who teaches administrative law, my goal is to break down this distinction and highlight why it matters from the very beginning. As previously stated, this distinction becomes particularly significant when seeking legal redress against actions of the executive, whether related to administrative acts, tort claims, or challenges to executive measures, including subsidiary legislation or contractual breaches. It is essential to clearly identify the entity or individual being challenged in such cases.