Paper's abstract

Laurent Richer, Public Service and Private Interest
To postulate a difference in nature between public interest and private interest constitutes the basis of public law. However in this particular branch of law a "Smithean" conception is also at work, according to which the free pursuit of individual interests is the most achieved form of general interest. This tension may, paradoxically, lead up to reasserting the idea of essential function of the State.

Key Words : public service, private interest, Smith
t. 41, 1997 : p. 293 -300

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