Public finance law includes state and federal laws and regulations governing the financing of public organizations and projects. For example, public finance laws and regulations govern the sale and purchase of bonds to build or improve schools, parks, roads, airports, cultural facilities, recreational facilities, entertainment venues (sports arenas), and other public works projects.

Bonds are debts issued by governments (the debtor), for example, to purchasers of the bonds (the creditors), with a promise to pay the bondholder interest (a coupon) and repay the principal amount upon a certain date (maturity date)—similar to an IOU or loan agreement. Bonds are securities that can often be traded (bought and sold) to and from others on the secondary market.

In Delaware, public finance law is governed by both state statutes and federal regulations. These laws oversee the issuance and management of public debt, including the sale and purchase of bonds for financing various public projects such as schools, parks, roads, and other infrastructure. The state government, counties, municipalities, and other public entities may issue bonds as a way to raise funds for these projects. Bondholders are typically entitled to receive periodic interest payments and the return of the principal amount on the maturity date. Delaware's public finance laws ensure that the process of issuing bonds is conducted transparently and in compliance with legal requirements, including voter approval for certain types of bonds. Additionally, these bonds, being securities, are subject to federal securities laws and regulations enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which govern their issuance, trading, and disclosure requirements to protect investors and maintain fair market conditions.