Talk:public policy

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public policy

• Moved from WT:RFV. DAVilla 01:23, 14 August 2007 (UTC)

I question whether this is an idiomatic expression, independent of the meanings of public + policy. --Jeffqyzt 18:15, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

It’s a set phrase. —Stephen 18:55, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

"public" is also not used in quite the same way as defined in its entry. Adjective senses 1 and 3 are relevant, "1. Pertaining to the affairs or official affairs of all people, not just those of a private group; contrasted with private." this would imply "public policy" to be "the policy of all the people", which it exceedingly rarely is. "3 Funded by the government." would give "policy funded by the government", while this is close it is not what "public policy means" as policies themselves are not funded, policies direct what gets and doesn't get funding; "public policy" can also relate to non-financial matters, e.g. "It is this government's policy not to negotiate with terrorists". Thryduulf 19:22, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

Your last example doesn't contain the phrase "public policy"; and I don't think one can say "It is public policy not to negotiate with terrorists." I can't put my finger on what's wrong with it, but it just seems odd to me. —Ruakh_TALK 19:59, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

The phrase does not refer, for example, to policy made in public, or to policy that is limited to public places. A public policy against child abuse does not mean that child abuse is permitted in private; it means it is prohibited by the body which seeks to enforce the will of the public. bd2412 T 21:37, 13 August 2007 (UTC)

Agreed, keep. DAVilla 01:23, 14 August 2007 (UTC)

I should add that this crops up frequently in the law regarding enforcement of foreign judgments. A government will not enforce a judgment that violates its public policy. For example, I go to England and slander the Queen, I could be sued by the royal family. But a U.S. court would find the judgment to be a violation of the public policy (not just "policy") codified in the First Amendment. bd2412 T 02:45, 15 August 2007 (UTC)

Keep. Not only is it a set phrase, it is a professional field and an academic field of study. Many universities offer a degree in public policy. (Google searches on "public policy degree" or "PhD in public policy" generate many valid hits.) -- WikiPedant 13:36, 20 September 2007 (UTC)

Keep. This is an important term in law. As in: "Having the court enforce a contract to pay ransom is against public policy." I believe it to be a legal doctrine. DCDuring 19:32, 13 October 2007 (UTC)

I have provided three quotations from free sources. The term appears in MW3. I don't trust myself to properly paraphrase. I'm not sure how to demonstrate its non-compositionality. It would take an attorney (from a common-law jurisdiction?) to define it properly. There is certainly usage going back to late 19th century. It is almost always in one of a few set phrases "violate public policy", "against public policy", or "contrary to public policy". Do we have to include all of the set phrases? DCDuring 20:50, 13 October 2007 (UTC)

• RfD passed. Kept and struck. bd2412 T 07:58, 10 November 2007 (UTC)