Prawne aspekty podejmowania decyzji przez członków rodziny w zastępstwie za osobę, u której doszło do osłabienia umysłowego wywołanego wiekiem lub chorobą – zagadnienia wybrane
Legal aspects of decision-making by family members on behalf of a person who has mental impairment caused by age or illness – selected issues

Summary/Abstract: Introduction. The subject of considerations in this study are the legal aspects of decision-making by family members as a proxy for a person who has mental impairment caused by age or illness. In case law, the fact of mental weakness is considered insufficient to constitute incapacitation. Aim. The research thesis of this study is the question of whether the legal instruments applicable in the Polish legal system regarding the issues raised allow for reconciling the right to decide about one’s personal life with the rights of family members to make proxy decisions on behalf of another family member. Materials and methods. Theoretical-legal and dogmatic-legal methods were used, based on the analysis of substantive content, views of representatives of legal doctrine and a broad analysis of the achievements of the judiciary. A problem-based analysis of the issue being the subject of the study indicated above was made. Results and conclusion. Legal instruments in the case of persons with mental impairment caused by age or illness do not sufficiently allow for reconciling the right to decide about one’s personal life with the rights of family members to make proxy decisions on behalf of a family member. The applicable legal regulations are inconsistent, and the assessment of the lack of awareness and loss of ability to make effective decisions does not have a sufficient legal framework or legally binding definitions. Therefore, it is reasonable to expect the introduction of a guardianship (preventive) power of attorney into the legal system.

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