Legal Definitions - in loco parentis

Definition:In loco parentis is a Latin term that means "in place of a parent" or "instead of a parent." This term refers to a legal concept that assigns some person or organization the responsibility to perform some of the functions or duties of a parent.

For example, schools are often considered to be in loco parentis because they have some of the responsibilities of a parent over their students. This means that schools are responsible for the safety and well-being of their students while they are on school grounds or participating in school activities. Another example is when siblings or grandparents take on the role of raising their sibling or grandchild. In this case, they may also be considered in loco parentis.

These examples illustrate how in loco parentis assigns legal responsibility to an organization or person to act as a parent. This means that they are responsible for the care, safety, and well-being of the child or children in their care.