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ordre public
/ɔʁdʁ(ə) pyblik/
public order
Le maintien de l'ordre public est une priorité pour les autorités locales.
Maintaining public order is a priority for local authorities.
Law
formal
The set of principles, rules, and interests that ensure the peaceful coexistence and security of society, protected by law.
Les forces de l'ordre interviennent pour préserver l'ordre public lors des manifestations.
Law enforcement intervenes to preserve public order during protests.
In French law, 'ordre public' encompasses public safety, health, morals, and tranquility. It is a foundational concept in administrative and constitutional law.
Collocations
atteinte à l'ordre publicbreach of public ordertrouble à l'ordre publicpublic disordermaintien de l'ordre publicmaintenance of public order
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Contextual Usage
In French legal texts, 'ordre public' is often paired with 'sécurité publique' (public safety) or 'tranquillité publique' (public peace). Memorizing these collocations will help you recognize the term's nuanced applications.
Gold Rule
Legal vs. Everyday Meaning
While 'ordre public' literally means 'public order,' in legal contexts it refers to the fundamental principles that protect society's stability—not just physical order. Avoid translating it as 'public organization' or 'government order.'
Word Origin
From Latin 'ordo' (order) and 'publicus' (public). The phrase emerged in French legal terminology during the 18th century, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of structured governance.
Usage Notes
The term is primarily used in legal and administrative contexts. In everyday speech, it may refer more broadly to societal harmony or safety.
Word Breakdown
ordre
order (as in structured system)
nounpublic
public (relating to society)
adjectiveDictionnaire Français-Anglais