When parens patriae is used to take a mentally ill individual into custody, it means that the state is acting as a

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Parens patriae is a legal concept in which the government acts as a surrogate parent to protect individuals who cannot protect themselves, such as minors or the mentally ill. Therefore, when it is used to take a mentally ill individual into custody, the state is acting as a surrogate parent.

When Parens Patriae Is Used to Take a Mentally Ill