Public policy

The principles under which the freedom of contract or private dealings is restricted by law for the good of the community.

Wharton.

The term "policy," as applied to a statute, regulation, rule of law, course of action, or the like, refers to its probable effect, tendency, or object, considered with reference to the social or political well-being of the state. Thus, certain classes of acts are said to be "against public policy," when the law refuses to enforce or recognize them, on the ground that they have a mischievous tendency, so as to be injurious to the interests of the state, apart from illegality or immorality.

Sweet. And see Egerton v. Earl Brownlow, 4 H. L. Cas. 235; Smith v. Railroad Co., 115 Cal. 584, 47 Pac. 582, 35 In R. A. 309, 56 Am. St. Rep. 119; Tarbell v. Rnilroad Co.., 73 Vt 347, 51 Atl. 6, 56 In R. A. 656, 87 Am. St. Ren. 734; Hartford F, Ins. Co., v. Chicago, etc.. R. Co.., 175 U. S. 91 , 20 Sup. Ct. 33. 44 L. Ed. 84; Enders v. Enuers, 164 Pa. 266, 30 Atl. 129, 27 L. R. A. 56, 44 Am. St. Rep. 598; Smith v. Du Bose, 78 Ga. 413, 3 S. E. 309, 6 Am. St. Rep. 260; Billingsley v. Clelland, 41 W. Va. 234, 23 S. El 812.