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Encyclopedia of Adolescence pp 1401–1403Cite as

In Loco Parentis

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In loco parentis, which literally means “in place of the parent,” refers to the doctrine that describes the legal authority given to public or private institutions that take the place of parents. The relationship is deemed similar to that of a parent to a child, with an individual (or institution) assuming parental status and responsibilities for another person, typically a minor, without formal adoption. Generally, the practice centers on teacher and student relationships and the degree to which schools function in regard to punishment and disciplinary guidelines. Although the doctrine may appear to limit the power granted to teachers and school officials, its interpretation can be quite expansive and can influence much of adolescents’ school environment and what they learn about the role of the state in shaping their development.

The focus on the teacher and student relationship derives from the doctrine’s common law roots. Scholars and courts nominally credit William Blackstone’s (1765...

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References

  • Bethel School District No. 403 v. Fraser (1986) 478 U.S. 675.

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  • Blackstone, W. (1765–1769). Commentaries on the laws of England. Oxford: Clarendon.

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  • Board of Education v. Earls (2002) 536 U.S. 822.

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  • New Jersey v. T.L.O. (1985). 469 U.S. 325.

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  • Pratt v. Wheaton College. (1866). 40 Ill. 186.

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  • Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District. (1969). 393 U.S. 503.

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  • Vernonia School District v. Acton. (1995). 515 U.S. 646.

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  • White, B. (2007). Student rights: From in loco parentis to sine parentibus and back again? Understanding the family educational rights and privacy Act in higher education. Brigham Young University Education and Law Journal, 2007, 321–350.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University, 302 Sycamore Hall, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA

    Roger J. R. Levesque

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  1. Roger J. R. Levesque
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Correspondence to Roger J. R. Levesque .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Indiana University, 302 Sycamore Hall, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA

    Roger J. R. Levesque

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Levesque, R.J.R. (2011). In Loco Parentis. In: Levesque, R.J.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Adolescence. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1695-2_680

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