Parens patriae: State duty to protect persons under disability, exercised narrowly for the individual's welfare.

The doctrine of Parens Patriae recognises the State's sovereign duty to protect persons non sui juris by assuming custody of their rights when they cannot protect themselves; its exercise is broad, necessity based and must be directed solely to the welfare of the person in need rather than to benefit others, as explained in authorities emphasising legislative authority and judicial caution.

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