By Helen Moizer, 7th April 2022 The value of observing a case management hearing in the Court of Protection. When I observed a Court of Protection hearing for the first time, I did not know what I was entering into or what to expect. Despite it being a video hearing link, I still felt apprehensiveContinue reading “The value of observing a case management hearing in the Court of Protection”
Author Archives: openjusticecourtofprotection
Two years on: A postscript to “Remote justice”
What families mean by “gravitas” (dignity, seriousness, solemnity) does not in fact reside in court architecture, coats of arms, wigs and robes, or rituals of address and behaviour. In my experience, these external manifestations of “justice” can sometimes seem rather ridiculous, and the “performance” element of the courtroom can alienate lay people and distract everyone from the serious business at hand. Rather, the “gravitas” families appreciate is a quality of attention, a focus, a willingness to engage, in depth, with the medico-legal and ethical issues before the court.
Absconded
The tension is between, on the one hand, P’s autonomy and freedom, and on the other keeping her safe from harm. As Ben McCormack put it, “she’s been locked up for her own good, but she doesn’t like it”
A long wait for medical recommendations – still in hospital after 18 days
Claire Martin, 24th March 2022 This is the third in a series of hearings concerning Mr M, a man with severely ulcerated legs who is declining, or avoiding, medical assessment. He has a long-standing diagnosis of schizophrenia and depression and is said to be addicted to Class A drugs (heroin and/or crack cocaine). He lives in supportedContinue reading “A long wait for medical recommendations – still in hospital after 18 days”
Available options and best interests in a disputed end-of-life treatment case
By Celia Kitzinger, 21 March 2022 The judgment is now published: London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust v M & Ors [2022] EWCOP 13 (21 March 2022) On 14th March 2022, I watched a one-day final hearing about a young man in a prolonged disorder of consciousness from which (doctors say) he will never recover. Continue reading “Available options and best interests in a disputed end-of-life treatment case”
Capacity to engage in sex: Putting the MCA’s foundational values to protect and empower to the test
By Samantha Williamson, 18th March 2022 Most of us couldn’t begin to imagine being told (as adults) that we are prohibited from spending private time with our chosen partner – and that we cannot be allowed to have sex with them. That’s been the case for 19-year-old T and her 25-year-old boyfriend since 19th November 2021. Continue reading “Capacity to engage in sex: Putting the MCA’s foundational values to protect and empower to the test”
Withdrawing treatment after brain-stem death: A case in the Family Division
Today I watched a hearing about whether or not a woman in her 40s is dead. She was declared dead at 11.45 on Thursday 10 March 2022, following brain stem death testing. The reason the doctors have continued to treat the patient and the reason the Trust has applied to court is that the family has opposed withdrawal of ventilation (and other treatments) and has asked for a private second opinion.
Challenging behaviours? The importance of language
Referring to NC urinating in his bedroom as a“challenging behaviour” does not (in and of itself) acknowledge the potential medical and social issues that have led to this action. It gives no insight into his character or the unique circumstances that have led up to the current situation. investigations. In using this term, his agency is diminished. It is instead seen as combative force against the agency of the medical staff attempting to assess him.
When doctors are not willing to offer treatments
By Celia Kitzinger, 13th March 2022 This was an unusual hearing because of its focus on a treatment (clinically assisted nutrition) that doctors were not willing to offer. By the day of the hearing, the person at the centre of this case (P) had not received nutrition for 10 days, ever since his nasogastric (NG) tubeContinue reading “When doctors are not willing to offer treatments”
Caesarean: An emergency hearing
More than anything, I hope for better advance planning for pregnant women with mental health challenges in the future, so that they can exercise their right to bodily autonomy (even if that means making decisions that others see as unwise or morally repugnant) and can have their wishes and feelings fully acknowledged and respected in best interests decisions made about them.
Promoting Open Justice in the Court of Protection 