What principle governs decision-making based on the expressed wishes of an individual prior to the appointment of a guardian?

The principle of Substituted Judgment is grounded in the belief that a guardian or surrogate decision-maker should act in accordance with the wishes and preferences the individual expressed before they were appointed as guardian. This approach emphasizes respect for the individual's autonomy and acknowledges their right to make choices about their own life, even if they can no longer communicate those choices effectively.

In practice, Substituted Judgment requires the guardian to consider and interpret the individual's known preferences, values, and beliefs to make decisions that reflect what the individual would have chosen if they were able to do so. This principle serves to honor and protect the individual's identity and dignity throughout the guardianship process.

To contrast, Informed Consent involves understanding and agreeing to a specific action or treatment based on comprehensive information about the risks and benefits; Corporate Responsibility refers to the obligations of organizations to act ethically and consider the societal impacts of their decisions; and Fiduciary Duty pertains to the legal obligation of guardians to act in the best interests of the person they represent, but does not specifically focus on prior expressed wishes.