Public international law versus private international law: reconsidering the distinction 14

In describing international law, many legal scholars and practitioners resort to a simple, conventional taxonomy. The international lawyer could be said to focus on public international law, or the body of law dealing with relations between States and also between States and other entities, such as international organizations . Or, the international lawyer could concentrate on private international law, the law that addresses relations between private actors usually engaged in cross-border transactions . Private international law sets out procedural rules relevant to the substantive law applicable to the relationship between the parties, the appropriate forum to resolve their disputes, and the effect to be given a foreign judgment . It is grounded largely in national or municipal law.