2009 Course Handbook
LAW521: Health Law and Ethics
The aim of the subject is to introduce students to the complex web of case law, statute regulation and ethical principles governing health care. Health 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 between the legal and medical spheres. The basic legal duties of health care professionals 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.
| Credit Points: | 4 |
| Contact Hours: | 4 |
| When Offered: |
D1 - Day; Offered in the first half-year
X1 - External study; Offered in the first half-year (On Campus session: 18-19 April) |
| Staff Contact: | Mr George Tomossy |
| Prerequisites: | 6cp in 300-level LAW(P) |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCWs: | |
| Unit Designations: | Science |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: |
Macquarie Law School |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.