Is this the new age of consent?

Abstract

Consent is a fundamental prerequisite before any examination and/or treatment can be undertaken. It is executed by clinicians every day of their working life and has become second nature to them, with very little changes in practice through the years. Recent cases in law have now formalised a practice to which many clinicians already adhere. This article will concentrate on the consent of adults with capacity and touch on those lacking temporary capacity but will not discuss the consent of children. It will also include a brief outline of historical cases to the present day.