– The purpose of this paper is to describe the evolution of legislation relevant to people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) since the Scottish Parliament came into being in 1999; this will be particularly relevant to practitioners working with people with IDs within mental health and forensic mental health services.
– A descriptive review of the relevant legislation, setting this out in the chronological order in which the legislation was enacted.
– The paper demonstrates that legislative reform is a dynamic and evolving process, responsive to social, political and legal agendas.
– The paper is limited to a description of the relevant legislation in only one part of the UK (Scotland).
– A helpful summary of the relevant legislation is provided which should be of particular value to readers/practitioners from outwith Scotland.
– The paper provides an up to date account of the legislative reform in Scotland during the period 1999-2015.
