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Definition in Statutory Guidance
of
Capacity
from
Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice, para 4.1
Source
Mental capacity is the ability to make a decision.
- This includes the ability to make a decision that affects daily life such as when to get up, what to wear or whether to go to the doctor when feeling ill - as well as more serious or significant decisions.
- It also refers to a person's ability to make a decision that may have legal consequences - for them or others.
Examples include agreeing to have medical treatment, buying goods or making a will.
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