Primer on Public Law
and Regulation
Photo: ©GAIN
About the Primer on Public Law and Regulation
Every food, health, and nutrition program is shaped by the laws and legal systems of its country. These systems can be complex and vary widely, but understanding how they work is essential for creating, implementing, and monitoring successful programs.
The “Primer on Public Law and Regulation,” authored by Aishani Gupta, lawyer and regulatory consultant for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is designed to help non-lawyers make sense of these systems. It provides simple explanations and practical examples for professionals in food, health, and nutrition to understand key legal concepts and navigate challenges more effectively. This guide provides clear, practical insights into:
- How legal systems work: Learn about the basics of legal systems, like whether a country follows common law or civil law, and the role of its Constitution.
- Who does what in the legal system: Understand the roles of government actors and the types of legal documents they create, such as laws, regulations, and standards, with examples related to food and nutrition.
Photo: ©DavidDennisPhotos.com
How to Use the Primer
In a blog co-authored by Aishani Gupta and Claudia Pazlopez, practical tips are shared on using the primer to strengthen fortification programs. The authors illustrate how understanding legal frameworks can help address challenges like determining if fortification is mandatory or identifying the best legal tools to use. With real-world examples, the blog highlights how the primer can bridge the gap between policy and practice.
The primer’s terminology and concepts also complement the DInA consensus lexicon, a repository of terms (with definitions) that are frequently used in micronutrient programs. The lexicon and primer were created to align the community around a common language, and ensure terminological consistency. The lexicon includes 26 legal, policy, and regulatory terms from the primer, offering further clarity for anyone navigating these topics.
