parens patriae

 
Pronunciation: /ˌparɛnz ˈpatrɪiː/

noun

Law
  • the monarch, or any other authority, regarded as the legal protector of citizens unable to protect themselves: [as modifier]: parens patriae jurisdiction
  • [mass noun] the principle that political authority carries with it the responsibility for such protection.

Origin:

modern Latin, literally 'parent of the country'