parens patriae

noun

par·​ens pat·​ri·​ae

ˈpar-ənz-ˈpa-trē-ˌē, -ˈpā-, -trē-ˌī; ˈpär-ens-ˈpä-trē-ˌī

: the state in its capacity as the legal guardian of persons not sui juris and without natural guardians, as the heir to persons without natural heirs, and as the protector of all citizens unable to protect themselves

because the State is supposed to proceed in respect of the child as parens patriae and not as adversary

—Kent v. United States, 383 U.S. 541 (1966)

Word History

Etymology

Latin, parent of the country