Report No. 196

The views of the patient

9. The views of the patient may have been previously expressed, either in writing or otherwise. The High Court exercising its inherent jurisdiction may determine the effect of a purported advance directive as to future medical treatment: Re T (adult: refusal of medical treatment) (1992) 4 All ER 649, (1993) Fam 95, Re C (adult: refusal of medical treatment) (1994) 1 All ER 819, (1994) 1 WLR 290. In summary, the patient's previously expressed views, if any, will always be a very important component in the decisions of the doctors and the court.