Our articles are written by experts in their field and include barristers, solicitors, judges, mediators, academics and professionals from a range of related disciplines. Family Law provides a platform for debate for all the important topics, from divorce and care proceedings to transparency and access to justice. If you would like to contribute please email emma.reitano@lexisnexis.co.uk.
Spotlight
A day in the life Of...
Read on

Russell J rules brain-damaged 1 year old should have life support withdrawn

Date:30 SEP 2014
Third slide
Law Reporter
An NHS Trust has applied to the High Court for permission to withdraw treatment in respect of a 1-year-old boy. The boy suffered profound irreversible brain damage and specialists informed the court that it was in his best interests to have life-sustaining intensive care, including mechanical ventilation, withdrawn.

The parents opposed the application, claiming that treating clinicians did not have the right to end the boy’s life because he had brain damage.

At a hearing in the High Court on Monday 29 September 2014, Russell J granted the application, after balancing the boy’s best interests against his parents’ views, ‘very sadly’ and with ‘great reluctance’.

A reporting restriction order was put in place preventing the identification of the boy, his parents and the Trust. The latter restriction would remain in place for the remainder of the boy’s life.
Categories:
News