What type of law deals specifically with the ownership and usage of private and public land?

Property law is the correct choice because it specifically addresses the issues relating to the ownership and usage of land, both private and public. This area of law is focused on the rights and responsibilities associated with real estate, including buying, selling, leasing, and utilizing property effectively and legally.

It governs various aspects such as land use regulations, zoning laws, and property rights, providing a framework for resolving disputes that may arise over ownership and the use of land. For instance, property law establishes how land can be developed or what restrictions might limit its use, making it central to discussions about real estate and development.

In contrast, contract law pertains to the legality of agreements made between individuals or entities. Criminal law involves the prosecution of actions that are considered offenses against society, and tort law relates to civil wrongs and damages caused by one party to another. Each of these areas deals with distinct legal concepts and does not focus specifically on land ownership and usage as property law does.