Who is legally unable to provide consent?

Children under the age of 7 are generally considered legally unable to provide consent for various activities, including medical treatment and other legal matters. At this young age, they lack the cognitive and emotional maturity required to fully understand the implications of giving consent. The law recognizes that children in this age group may not grasp the consequences of decisions being made on their behalf, which is why parental or guardian consent is typically required.

In contrast, older youth, particularly those over 16, are often considered capable of providing consent in many jurisdictions, reflecting an understanding that they can grasp the basic principles of informed decision-making. Adults with disabilities may have the capacity to give consent depending on the nature of their disability and their individual capabilities. Additionally, the context of consent is more nuanced than simply whether someone has a guardian, as the ability to consent is assessed on a case-by-case basis depending on individual circumstances.