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Glossary

Public interest litigation

common-lawconstitutional

Proceedings brought to vindicate a collective or public interest rather than a purely personal one.

In more detail

Most developed in India, where the Supreme Court relaxed standing to allow any public-spirited person to petition on behalf of those unable to approach the court. South Africa, Kenya and several Latin American jurisdictions have comparable mechanisms.

Related terms

  • locus-standi
  • amicus-curiae

See how this applies to you

Definitions are general. How a term operates depends on the jurisdiction you are in.