Legal Definitions - regent

A regent is an individual who holds governing power or authority, often on a temporary basis, when the primary leader or authority figure is unable to perform their duties. This term can also refer to a member of a governing board for an academic institution.

• Example 1 (Royal Succession): When Queen Isabella of the fictional kingdom of Veritas unexpectedly passed away, her heir, Prince Arthur, was only seven years old. To ensure stable governance, the royal council appointed the Queen's trusted sister, Lady Eleanor, as regent. Lady Eleanor then assumed the responsibilities of ruling the kingdom, making executive decisions, and representing Veritas in foreign affairs until Prince Arthur reached the age of eighteen and could officially take the throne himself.

  Explanation: Lady Eleanor acts as a regent because she is exercising the full ruling power of the kingdom during the minority (underage status) of the rightful sovereign, Prince Arthur, ensuring continuity and stability.

• Example 2 (Academic Governance): Dr. Marcus Thorne is a member of the Board of Regents for the Pacific Coast University System. In this capacity, he regularly attends meetings where he votes on critical matters such as the university system's annual budget, the appointment of campus presidents, major curriculum changes, and long-term strategic plans for all public universities under the system's purview.

  Explanation: Dr. Thorne is a regent in this context because he serves on the governing board of an academic institution, holding significant authority and responsibility for its oversight and direction.