'The Public Interest'

The title of this post is given inverted commas because it is the phrase that needs comment as much as the concept.  In fact, we can't always be sure what concept the phrase 'public interest' is meant  to indicate.

When a BBC reporter, speaking of the Duchess of Cambridge's problems with the paparazzi and the current court case, remarks that the matter is of 'over-riding public interest', it would appear that he is confusing two distinct meanings of the word 'interest'*.  One (perhaps the meaning he is thinking of) is a state of mind, the capacity for being curious; an interest in politics or motor-racing or pop music - or royalty in difficulties.  Of course it is not surprising that many Brits (not to mention others) are 'interested ' in the matter.

But 'public interest' is a quite different concept. It is almost a technical term, implying some close personal involvement with any matter that affects (for instance) our well-being or security or freedom or finances, or our rights or our obligations.  'Interest' in this context implies that any change in the system is likely to help or to hinder us, either as individuals, or corporately, or both. We stand to gain or lose.

When the phrase 'public interest' is used in a legal context, the issue is whether a court decision will harm or hinder the people as a whole.  It is not a matter of whether or not people are 'interested'
in the ordinary sense.

I think the BBC reporter is confusing these two meanings. The cliché epithet 'over-riding' is not a helpful one, either. It is not easy, in this instance, to see what the 'interest' is thought to 'over-ride'.

* The original Latin word  'interest' was a verb, literally meaning 'is among'  -  suggesting actual involvement,   being affected by some situation.

'The Public Interest'