The Mature Minor Doctrine

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Mature Minor Doctrine as the name suggests is the doctrine which places importance on the maturity of minor in cases relating to consent for diagnosis or treatment by a doctor. Mature Minor Doctrine has undergone considerable changes after its establishment in the Washington Supreme Court in the case of Smith v Seibly. Mature Minor Doctrine emerges out of the fact that a minor can take mature decisions about his or her health. Many aspects are to be considered when laying down a principle regarding the doctrine. While it is understood to place emphasis on the mental maturity of a minor, it also undermines some aspects of parental authority and the state.
What is the Mature Minor Doctrine?
The Mature Minor Doctrine propounds that a minor has …show more content…

The doctrine of Parens Patriae is followed across the world including India. It was established that when the Preamble of Constitution of India is read with and in the light of Article 38, Article 39 and Article 39A make it imperative for the state to secure all its citizens the rights guaranteed by constitution and where the citizens are not in a position to assert these rights, the State comes into picture and protects such citizens’ rights. It was further stated in Charanlal Sahu v Union of India that parens partriae is an integral part of the Constitution and should be viewed enjoining the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy. In India, the jurisdiction of the courts may be exercised under this ground. There are two tests laid down to determine the effectiveness of a judgement or an order based on the Parens Patriae jurisdiction and the same shall be applied to a minor who has declined or not consented to a …show more content…

Along with the test of competency of minor to understand the procedure so conducted upon him, it is important to analyse whether the minor is being briefed about the procedure, risks, and benefits associated with it, alternatives available and risks with such alternatives. Hence, the informed consent in minors is considered very important. Informed consent presumes respect for patient autonomy and provision of full and accurate information to the patient to enable the patient take a reasoned decision, both on the positive and the negative side. Informed consent was established in Cantebury v Spence and

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