public policy

[puhb-lik pol-uh-see]

noun

1. 1. the body of laws and other measures that affect the general public.

      These officeholders are creating public policy on important issues including affordable housing and the environment.

   2. the underlying principles, values, or objectives that inform these laws and other measures: In a secular state, no religion can become the basis of public policy.

      The Institute participates in shaping public debate and public policy through inquiry and dialogue.

      In a secular state, no religion can become the basis of public policy.

2. Law.,  the principle that injury to the public good or public order constitutes a basis for declaring an act or transaction illegal or invalid.

   The principle of public policy requires that we judge the tendency of the contract at the time when it was entered into.

Word History and Origins

Origin of public policy¹

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Ramona Prieto, Uber’s Head of Public Policy for California, said in an emailed statement that the compromise “lowers costs for riders while creating stronger voices for drivers — demonstrating how industry, labor, and lawmakers can work together to deliver real solutions.”

From Los Angeles Times

With more than 35 million total registered vehicles in California, that means 1% to 2% of the vehicle fleet will lose access to the carpool lane, said Antonio Bento, professor of public policy and economics at USC.

From Los Angeles Times

Antoni is an economist at the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank, and was previously at conservative research group Texas Public Policy Foundation.

From BBC

A letter signed by FDA Commissioner Martin Makary and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announcing the study cited a report by the Ethics and Public Policy Center, a conservative Christian advocacy group, as one basis for the new government study.

From Slate

“They reflect a broader pattern: companies making rushed public commitments only after harm has occurred,” said Adam Billen, vice president of public policy at Encode AI, a youth-led activist coalition advocating for AI safety.

From Los Angeles Times