This article discusses the principles of the law in relation to informed consent as applied to neurosurgical practice. Patient autonomy, forms of consent, capacity to consent, the nature of information that should be given to patients, the level of information given, alternatives to treatment, which doctor should consent and when, consenting children, differing opinions, euthanasia and respect for the state of scientific knowledge are discussed.
Keywords: informed consent; medical negligence; negligence; neurosurgery.