Peer-Reviewed Journal Details
Mandatory Fields
Whelan, Darius
2021
June
European journal of health law
Application of the Paternalism Principle to Constitutional Rights: Mental Health Case-Law in Ireland
Published
()
Optional Fields
Mental health law Paternalism Human Rights Ireland Constitutional rights Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities European Convention on Human Rights Best interests
28
3
223
243
In adjudicating on matters relating to fundamental constitutional or human rights, courts make important statements about the principles which apply. The principles articulated will have a profound impact on the outcomes of such cases, and on the development of case-law in the relevant field. In the fields of medical law and mental health law, various courts have moved away from deference to medical decision-making and paternalism to a person-centred rights-based approach. However, courts in Ireland have continued to interpret mental health law in a paternalistic fashion, praising paternalism as if it is particularly suitable for mental health law. This raises profound questions about judicial attitudes to people with mental health conditions and judicial reluctance to confer full personhood on people with disabilities. This article outlines case-law in Ireland regarding paternalism in mental health law and discusses the consequences for constitutional rights in Ireland.
0929-0273
https://doi.org/10.1163/15718093-bja10047
10.1163/15718093-bja10047
Grant Details