Board of Deputies welcomes Law Commission “Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty” report

The Board of Deputies has welcomed the Law Commission’s report “Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty”. Prof David Katz, who co-ordinated the Jewish community’s response, noted that the Commission had consulted widely with faith communities, and had taken into account concerns about excessive and unnecessary coroner referrals which have contributed to delays in burial.

He said: “This report proposes introduction of personalised arrangements – “Liberty Protection Safeguards” – to help those who lack mental capacity and their families, consistent with Jewish practice. Furthermore, the proposed medical examiner system is strongly endorsed, which will expedite release of bodies, whilst ensuring that deaths due to lack of care do not go unnoticed. We hope that the Government will act immediately to implement the Law Commission’s recommendations.”