ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts covered in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book helps to understand the role of ethical theories in context of the study of bioethics. It explores the principle of confidentiality and the importance of the clinician's role in maintaining that duty. This reflects clear consequentialist ideas-if a doctor ensures that he maintains his patient's confidence, the patient is more likely to trust the doctor with personal and possibly sensitive material. The book focuses on Consent that a young patient can only express their autonomy where they have the appropriate level and understanding, or are Gillick competent. It considers the case of Airedale NHS Trust v Bland AC 789, which contains significant judicial opinion of the importance and value of autonomy and self-determination. The Principle of Morals and Legislation which describes a 'felicific calculus', to be applied in order to determine the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people.
