Legal term referring to the fundamental order and moral standards of society, often used in contexts like 公の秩序に反する (contrary to public policy).
The contract was invalidated because it was contrary to public policy.
公の秩序を守ることは社会の安定に不可欠だ。
Maintaining public order is essential for social stability.
Compound of 公 (public) + の (possessive particle) + 秩序 (order). A direct translation of the Western legal concept of 'public order' or 'public policy'.