The article explores the liability of public authorities in the context of public and private law, focusing on the law of tort. It compares English and French legal systems to understand the differences in administrative liability. The study shows that public law has evolved in response to increased government involvement in individuals' lives. It highlights the importance of the public law/private law distinction in shaping legal processes and court decisions regarding public authority liability. The research suggests that a continental-style distinction helps courts consider public policy when determining a public authority's liability.