What exactly is the public interest? It is difficult to define in law as Britain is finding in its enquiry into phone hacking, [1] and individuals disagree. [2] Journalists in particular are likely to be much happier about the idea than the rest of the public because it defends their interest to have a broad interpretation. It should not have been up to either Kamm or Haaretz to define what the public interest is. There are some things that have to be left to the state.  [1] Sabbagh, Dan, ‘Clarification of the ‘public interest’ defence is badly needed’, guardian.co.uk, 8 April 2012.  [2] Elliott, Chris, ‘What do you think ‘public interest’ means?’, guardian.co.uk, 15 May 2012.