Starson v Swayze (2003) addressed patient autonomy and mental health in Canada. It confirmed that individuals have the right to refuse medical treatment if they are deemed competent, impacting legal interpretations of consent and capacity in mental health jurisprudence.
Competency and Autonomy: The Supreme Court of Canada reinforced that competency is determined by the ability to understand and appreciate treatment information, underscoring the right of competent individuals to refuse medical treatment even if it contradicts medical advice.
