Parens Patriae
Legal definition for Indian law research
Definition
Parens patriae, means the State in its capacity as the legal guardian of persons not sui juris and without natural guardians as the heirs to persons without natural heirs, and as the protector of all citizens unable to protect themselves, Kent v. United States, 383 US 541 (1966).
The sovereign, as parens patri', has a kind of guardianship over various classes of persons, who, from their legal disability, stand in need of protection, such as infants, idiots, and lunatics.
The sovereign, as parens patri', has a kind of guardianship over various classes of persons, who, from their legal disability, stand in need of protection, such as infants, idiots, and lunatics.
Definitions are for legal research. Always verify meaning in the context of the statute, judgment, or jurisdiction cited.