ABSTRACT
This chapter explores Ken Mason's contributions to medical law by focusing on his writings and other musings in and around notions of personal autonomy. It examines its structure from an event that was held in Edinburgh in 1998 to contemplate 'The Future of Medical Law and Ethics' and at which he delivered the keynote address. The chapter involves both a retrospective on cases which Mason has considered to be of crucial importance in the development of medical law, as well as a horizon-gazing exercise for the future, which draws on the author's own work with him concerning the relative importance and impact of concepts of patient autonomy. Gillick arose from the publication of a seemingly innocuous Department of Health memorandum of guidance authorising healthcare professionals to discuss family planning with minors without the explicit consent of their parents, albeit in restricted circumstances.
