2008 Handbooks

The aim of the subject is to introduce students to the complex web of case law, statute and professional regulation which covers professional health care. Medical law covers an enormous compass: from the law of torts to criminal law, from administrative law to contract. This course aims at arming the student with a proper understanding of the interaction and antagonism between the legal and medical spheres. The basic legal duties of the health care professional will be examined against the background of law.

The doctor's duty in contract and tort will be analysed in detail with particular emphasis on the imposition of the duty of care concept. The impact of criminal law is also examined with study of criminal negligence and euthanasia. The legal status of the medical profession's own regulation and ethical practice is also critically studied. Finally, the extent and scope of the increasing influence of public health regulation is discussed. The course will be run by examining discrete topics which will be designed to reflect current controversies, such as law and genetics, cloning, foetal rights, abortion, the right to die and the control of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS.