Developing law and ethics: The convention on the rights of persons with disabilities

This article considers the impact of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities with particular reference to effect of Article 17 (the right to be free from interference with ones physical and mental integrity), the problem of the uncertain side effects of medical treatment, the question of capacity and the principle of supported decision making. The article argues that the Convention redefines the ethical and legal standards that guide the care of treatment to people with mental illness.