Background to the Mental Capacity Act 2005 -- The key features of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 -- The code of practice (sections 42-43) -- Principles (section 1) -- What is lack of capacity? (sections 2-3) -- Best interests (section 4) -- Protection for those making decisions (sections 5-8) -- Lasting powers of attorney (sections 9-14 and 22-23) -- Deputies and declarations (sections 15-21) -- Advance decisions to refuse treatment (sections 24-26) -- Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCAs) (sections 35-41) -- The Court of Protection and the Public Guardian (sections 45-61) -- Other issues -- Research -- Links with other areas of law -- Deprivation of liberty safeguards -- The interface between the Mental Capacity Act and the Mental Health Act -- The distinction between restriction of movement and deprivation of liberty.