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Compelled Medical Procedures Involving Minors And Incompetents And Misapplication Of The Substituted Judgment Doctrine, Lynn E. Lebit

Journal of Law and Health

In many cases, courts have incorrectly applied the doctrine of "substituted judgment" to violate the bodily integrity of a minor (who is usually physically or mentally disabled), or an adult incompetent, to bring about a result which on its face seems beneficial to all involved. What courts have failed to do, however, is protect the best interests of these incompetent persons and to recognize their right to be protected, especially when they cannot consent, from non-therapeutic bodily invasions. In this context, "best interests" are determined by weighing the risks, needs and benefits to the affected person. The type of "non-therapeutic" …