Critically Ill Children and the Law: Medical Decision-Making and the Best Interests Principle

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James Cameron

Critically Ill Children and the Law

Medical Decision-Making and the Best Interests Principle

James Cameron

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Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

Routledge
27 May 2025

Ethics & moral philosophy; International human rights law; Family law; Medical & healthcare law; Medicolegal issues

A series of recent high-profile court cases has demonstrated the inadequacy of current laws in addressing issues relating to medical treatment decisions involving seriously ill children. The challenges of determining that life-sustaining medical treatment is not in a young child’s best interests have resulted in criticism of the best interests principle. This book explores the theoretical foundations of the best interests principle, and alternatives offered in the academic literature, to allow readers to understand why the principle remains contentious despite its prevalence. It provides theoretical background, exploration of what occurs in practice, and proposes a novel approach to address these challenges. Frameworks for decision-making identified in the academic literature are used to examine the application of the best interests principle in practice in England and Wales, Australia, and New Zealand through a review of the case law and qualitative research with paediatric doctors. The exploration of current practice allows readers to understand the challenges of applying the best interests principle, but also the need to retain a focus on the child. Readers are introduced to a human-rights based approach, which ensures that the focus remains on upholding the child’s best interests but also provides a more comprehensive explanation of the situation. Progressing the debate around end-of-life decision-making and children, the book will be a valuable resource for academics, researchers and policy-makers. It will also provide practical guidance to both legal and medical practitioners in managing disputes about the provision of life-sustaining treatment.

By: James Cameron
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
Weight: 453g
ISBN: 9781032544779
ISBN 10: 1032544775
Pages: 242
Publication Date: 27 May 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

James Cameron undertakes legal policy and law reform work for the Victorian Government in Australia. James completed his PhD at the University of Melbourne and spent time as a visiting student at Oxford University.