title: Going legal.
abstract: A 16-year-old girl is admitted with a paracetamol overdose, but refuses treatment. This article explores the legal, ethical and practical aspects of this case, which led ultimately to an application to the court for a judicial order.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Health, Derriford Hospital, Derriford, Plymouth PL6 8DH, UK. tony.lopez@nhs.net
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lopez
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Howells
authors.forename: Simon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lindsay
mesh_terms: D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000506:poisoning*; D000293:Adolescent; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033242:Minors / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000941:ethics* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006113:United Kingdom
chemical_list: D000082:Acetaminophen