Hidden Law-makers: Uncovering ‘tiers of invisibility’ in the law on best interests

by Suzanne Doyle Guilloud, Senior Research Associate, University of Bristol Law School

Courtroom by Al Arthur

Since November 2018, BABEL (‘Balancing Best Interests in Healthcare Ethics and Law’), a joint Wellcome Trust funded project between the Centre for Ethics in Medicine (CEM) and the Centre for Health, Law, and Society (CHLS), has been researching the nature and purpose of the concept of ‘best interests’ as it applies to both adults and children deemed to lack decision-making capacity in healthcare matters in England and Wales. (more…)

Bell v Tavistock: the Medico-Legal Consequences

by Sandra Duffy, Law School, University of Bristol

By tedeytan

On December 1st, the High Court handed down its decision in the case of Bell and A v Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust. This ruling concerned a judicial review of the practice of the Tavistock Gender Identity Development Service in prescribing puberty-blocking hormonal treatments to children under 16 years of age.  (more…)