Application of the Paternalism Principle to Constitutional Rights: Mental Health Case-Law in Ireland
In: European Journal of Health LawSearch for other papers by Darius Whelan in
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Abstract
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.
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| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 1428 | 354 | 83 |
| Full Text Views | 49 | 8 | 3 |
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Application of the Paternalism Principle to Constitutional Rights: Mental Health Case-Law in Ireland
In: European Journal of Health LawSearch for other papers by Darius Whelan in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
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.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 1428 | 354 | 83 |
| Full Text Views | 49 | 8 | 3 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 109 | 13 | 0 |