Re: Mitchell

In *Re: Mitchell*, Johns J of the Family Court of Australia considered an application concerning the medical treatment of a child, Mitchell, born in 1999. The dispute centred on the proposed treatment for gender dysphoria, specifically stage two hormonal treatment with testosterone to masculinise his body.

The primary legal issue before the Court was whether the child, Mitchell, was competent to consent to the proposed medical treatment. This determination was to be made upon the Court being satisfied of Mitchell's competency.

Johns J applied the principles of medical consent for minors, considering the capacity of the child to understand the nature, consequences, and implications of the proposed treatment. The Court noted that the application was to be dismissed if Mitchell was found to be competent to consent, with a right of reinstatement pending the determination of a Case Stated in *Re Kelvin* [2017] FamCA 78, should any unresolved issues require judicial determination. The Court also made extensive orders for the anonymisation of the judgment and file to protect the child's privacy.