public policy

American  

[puhb-lik pol-uh-see] / ˈpʌb lɪk ˈpɒl ə si /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of public policy

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

Most of the remaining exports are essential raw materials that the U.S. can’t readily replace, adds Martha Hall Findlay, director of the university’s school of public policy.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 2026

Stonewall said the ex-politician would bring a wealth of experience in law-making and public policy.

From BBC • Apr. 19, 2026

Police are woefully understaffed and hampered by public policy, said Blair Besten, president of downtown’s Historic Core Business Improvement District, a nonprofit that arranges graffiti removal, trash pickup and safety patrols in the area.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

He joined the Journal in 1996 as an assistant editorial features editor after spending five years as an editor at City Journal, the Manhattan Institute's quarterly of urban public policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

After I started the public policy program in September, I still felt disconnected.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson