A legal test from the 1985 case Gillick v West Norfolk, used to decide whether a child under 16 is mature enough to make their own important decisions. A child is 'Gillick competent' if they have sufficient understanding and intelligence to fully grasp what's involved — including the nature, purpose, and consequences of the decision. It started in medical treatment but the principle is applied more widely. In family court, a Gillick-competent child's own views carry significant weight when the court is deciding what's in their best interests.
In Plain English
A test to see if a child under 16 is mature enough to make their own decisions. If they fully understand the choices and consequences, the court will give their views significant weight.
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