public policy

The policy of the law; the policy in relation to the administration of the law. Practically synonymous with public good or public welfare. National Bank of Commerce v Greenberg, 195 Tenn 217, 258 SW2d 765, 38 ALR2d 1337. The policy of promoting the public welfare and opposing that which is at war with society and in conflict with the moral principles of the period. 17 Am J2d Contr § 175. The protection and promotion of public welfare, including public health and morality. Hanks v McDanell, 307 Ky 243, 210 SW2d 784, 17 ALR2d 1. That principle of law which holds that no subject or citizen can lawfully do that which has a tendency to be injurious to the public or against the public good. Consumers' Oil Co. v Nunnemaker, 142 Ind 560, 41 NE 1048. A will-o'-the-wisp of the law which varies and changes with the interests, habits, needs, sentiments, and fashions of the day. Wallihan v Hughes, 196 Va 117, 82 SE2d 553. Not a matter of principle to be laid down by the court, although the court may be called upon to determine what the public policy is in a particular respect, as for example, where it must determine whether a contract is or is not invalid because it is contrary to good public policy. 20 Am J2d Cts § 64.