The concept of private law in common law countries is a little more broad, in that it also encompasses private relationships between governments and private individuals or other entities. That is, relationships between governments and individuals based on the law of contract or torts are governed by private law, and are not considered to be within the scope of public law.

Process servers support legal and court activities by hand-delivering documents such as subpoenas, summons, and restraining orders to individuals involved in court cases.