A Primer on the Law and Ethics of Treatment, Research, and Public Policy in the Context of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

This article addresses the legal and ethical implications of treatment, research, and public policy decisions in the context of severe traumatic brain injury. Examining the tragic circumstances of a fifteen year-old boy from Connecticut who remained in a near vegetative state for almost three years, the authors provide a thorough discussion of the diverse legal and ethical issues encountered by those close to traumatic brain injury victims as they consider treatment options, research activities, and public policy decisions.