Parens patriae
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Case Law, Ballentine's (1916), Stimson (1881)
Definitions from Case Law
From 405 U.S. 251 - Hawaii v. Standard Oil Co. of Cal. · 1972Most cited · 1,574 citing opinions
These cases establish the right of a State to sue as parens patriae to prevent or repair harm to its 'quasi-sovereign' interests.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Parent of the country; the king; the people. See 69 Miss. 939; 30 Am. St. Rep. 599, 603, 16 L. R. A. 251, 11 South. 111.
Glossary of Technical Terms, Phrases, and Maxims of the Common Law
Frederic Jesup Stimson · 1881
I. The father of the country; in England, the King; in America, the State; having guardianship of the poor and incapable.