parens patriae
parens patriae (par-enz pay-tree-ee orpa-tree-I). [Latin “parent of his or her country”] 1. The state regarded as a sovereign; the state in its capacity as provider of protection to those unable to care for themselves (the attorney general acted as parens patriae in the administrative hearing); in Roman law, the emperor. [Cases: States 1. C.J.S. […]