By Claire Martin, 23rd June 2025 I had some unexpected time on Monday 16th June 2025, so I had a look at the listings the night before, and this one caught my eye because it said ‘FINAL HEARING’, so I knew that the judge’s determination on the matters listed (‘capacity and best interests’) was likelyContinue reading ““Does that mean I am off the hook?”: A successful s21a Deprivation of Liberty Challenge”
Tag Archives: expert witness
Anorexia and the capacity to make decisions about nutritional intake
By Ty Glover, 14th July 2024 Back in 2007, a spate of television programs focused on “size 0” and “super skinny” bodies with the focus being on the then (and now) fashionable trend for size 0 models. Although I did not watch all of those programs, I recall one in which Louise Redknapp, wife of former footballerContinue reading “Anorexia and the capacity to make decisions about nutritional intake”
US expert to assess whether COVID-19 vaccination is in P’s best interests
By Celia Kitzinger, 12th March 2024 He’s in his early 20s with a severe learning disability, having been born with partial Trisomy 13, meaning that he has an extra chromosome. He also has a congenital heart condition known as “Tetralogy of Fallot”. He lives at home with his mother who is his primary carer (though he alsoContinue reading “US expert to assess whether COVID-19 vaccination is in P’s best interests “
Expert witness in Anorexia cases
By Ty Glover, 25th February 2024 I’m a Consultant in Eating Disorders Psychiatry, an Independent Medicolegal Expert and a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists for over 25 years. My clinical career has been spent managing acutely unwell NHS patients in Independent Sector Hospitals, primarily patients suffering with severe Anorexia Nervosa but also thoseContinue reading “Expert witness in Anorexia cases”
Withdrawing treatment from a pastor in a coma: Balancing religious beliefs and medical realities
By Rhiannon Snaith, 30th August 2023 An evangelical preacher in his fifties (KT) had a stroke in February 2022. He underwent emergency surgery but has sustained significant brain damage and never regained consciousness. He is currently in hospital, in a coma and also has end-stage kidney failure and Type 2 diabetes. The Trust was seekingContinue reading “Withdrawing treatment from a pastor in a coma: Balancing religious beliefs and medical realities”
“The parties should work together and not rush to court in a litigious way. It is not ready to be heard”: Reflections from a Best Interests Assessor
By Eleanor Tallon, 31st August 2022 As an experienced Best Interests Assessor (practising within the legal framework of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards), I have an avid interest in the Open Justice Court of Protection Project which is aligned with my passion to promote human rights. I find that both reading the reflective blogs and participating as an observerContinue reading ““The parties should work together and not rush to court in a litigious way. It is not ready to be heard”: Reflections from a Best Interests Assessor“
Experience of a new witness in the Court of Protection
Recently I was sworn in to give evidence in the Court of Protection as a witness of fact for the first time…. not intimidating…. attending the COP as a witness of fact was a valuable experience before being called in an expert capacity and helped to build my confidence in my skills in defending my opinion and how I can help court consider a patient’s neuropsychology needs.
Family witnesses in court: Four reflections on Re AH (A Rehearing)
Suggesting that the family is lacking in objectivity because they are in some way psychologically compromised serves the purpose of undermining and discrediting their evidence. This was not necessary to powerfully argue the Trust’s case that ongoing life-sustaining treatment is not in AH’s best interests. The medical evidence stood alone.
Elective caesarean in her best interests
Despite guidance concerning applications for court-sanctioned interventions in childbirth, it’s common for cases to come before the court (as here) where women are within 4 weeks of their expected delivery, and judges regularly express concern that they are having to make decisions about childbirth for women close to (or even after) their due dates.
Naming a putative ‘expert’ in a COVID vaccination case: A letter to the judge
Videos posted by Dr Rogers online include assertions that masks are ineffective and that it is not “a good thing to do” to have a vaccine unless you are very elderly or vulnerable.
Promoting Open Justice in the Court of Protection 