public opinion; public debate; fair criticism
Formal noun for opinion or criticism formed openly in society, often with a nuance of fairness or impartial public judgment. In everyday contexts, 世論 is usually the more common word for public opinion.
He appealed not only to the courts but also to public opinion.
健全な公論を育てるには、自由な報道が欠かせない。
Free reporting is essential for fostering healthy public debate.
On this issue, we should first wait for public opinion.
He appealed to public opinion to prove he was right.
This is recognized as the settled public opinion of the whole nation.
The government revised its policy in accordance with public opinion.