In law, the concept of the state’s guardianship over persons unable to manage their own affairs, e.g., minors.
The legal doctrine of the state’s power to act for those who are incompetent to act for themselves, including minors and people with some handicaps.
“Parent of his country.” A legal term referring to the power of the state to protect its people—specifically, those unable to care for themselves, such as minors (children) and the mentally incompetent.
The power of the courts to protect the interests of people who cannot protect themselves. In health care, this power is sometimes invoked on behalf of children (and other dependent or incompetent individuals) in order to provide them with medical care that has been refused by their family.