Private international law governs the choice of law to apply when there are conflicts in the municipal law of different countries related to private transactions between those countries. Private international law is embodied in public international law sources, especially treaties. Foreign Law Municipal law is essentially national or subnational law. It defines the role of governments to the people they govern and controls relationships between people. It may regulate foreign persons and entities, but it does not have effect outside the boundaries of a nation.
Foreign law is embodied in constitutions, statutes, regulations, and court decisions.
Constitutions, statutes, and regulations are primary sources of law for all jurisdictions. Court decisions are also primary sources of law in common law jurisdictions, but are considered secondary sources of law in civil law and socialist law jurisdictions.