Includes bibliographical references (p.175-217) and index.

Preface -- Introduction -- What is special about children? -- Why ch ildren do not hold rights -- Capacity and competence -- Why children ha ve rights -- A right to develop -- A right to know -- A right to medica l decision making -- A right to be loved -- A future for children's rig hts -- References -- Index.

"Despite the existence of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Chi ld there is still a debate about whether children can really hold right s. This book presents a clear theory of children's rights by examining controversial case studies. Understanding why children have rights pres ents a pathway to translating rights into practical social and politica l instruments for change"-- Provided by publisher.