Legal Definitions - in loco

Term: IN LOCO

Definition: In loco (in loh-koh) means "in the place of" in Latin.

Examples:

• A substitute teacher is in loco parentis, meaning they are acting in the place of the parent while they are away.
• A legal guardian is in loco parentis, meaning they are acting in the place of the parent for a child who is not their own.

The examples illustrate how someone can act in the place of another person, whether it be a teacher acting as a parent or a legal guardian acting as a parent for a child who is not their own. In both cases, the person is taking on the responsibilities and duties of the absent parent.