parental autonomy doctrine
parental-autonomy doctrine. The principle that a parent has a fundamental right to raise his or her child and to make all decisions regarding that child free from governmental intervention, unless (1) the child’s health and welfare are jeopardized by the parent’s decisions, or (2) public health, welfare, safety, and order are threatened by the parent’s decisions. • The Supreme Court first recognized the doctrine of parental autonomy over the family in Meyer v. Nebraska, 262 U.S. 390, 43 S.Ct. 625 (1923). — Also termed family-autonomy doctrine. Cf. PARENTAL-PRIVILEGE DOCTRINE.
