It regulates governments and intergovernmental organizations across national boundaries. Private international law governs the choice of law to apply when there are conflicts in the municipal law of different nations related to private transactions between those nations. It is embodied in public international law sources, especially treaties. 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.
Municipal 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. For a quick introduction to the World's legal systems, see the University of Ottawa site on legal systems . Impact of the Web on International and Foreign Law Easier access to international norms. Easier to locate time sensitive information, such as ratification information.