Police Power Definition

The inherent authority of a government to impose restrictions on private rights for the sake of public welfare, order, and security.

The inherent power and obligation of a state government or sovereign, usually delegated in part to municipalities, to make whatever laws are appropriate and necessary to maintain public safety and security, morality, health, and propriety, which can neither be surrendered by the legislature nor transferred in toto away from the state. Such power is conferred by the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, and is subject to and bound by considerations of due process.