Introduction

Mental capacity has a different legal framework in each UK nation. Despite the differences – such as the names and dates of the acts – each is underpinned by similar principles. This week you explore these principles and how they apply in real-life situations. To begin, you look at the historical background and how each of the acts developed.

By the end of this week you should be able to:

• name the mental capacity law that applies to each nation of the UK
• explain the principles of mental capacity as set out in law regardless of the UK nation to which they apply
• describe in some detail each of the main principles of mental capacity
• explain how the principles apply to real-life situations.