Legal Definitions - pater patriae

Definition: Pater patriae is a Latin term that means "Father of the country." It is also known as parens patriae, which means "parent of his or her country." In Roman law, the emperor was considered the pater patriae.

Examples:

• George Washington is often referred to as the "Father of our Country" because of his leadership during the American Revolution and his role in establishing the United States as a new nation.
• In legal terms, parens patriae allows the government to act as a protector for those who are unable to care for themselves, such as children or individuals with disabilities. For example, if a child is being neglected or abused by their parents, the state may step in as parens patriae to protect the child's welfare.

The examples illustrate how the term pater patriae or parens patriae can be used to describe a person or entity that is responsible for the well-being and protection of a country or its citizens. In the case of parens patriae, it refers specifically to the government's role in protecting vulnerable individuals who may not be able to protect themselves.