Introductory description

Medical research has produced major advances in surgical techniques and methods of treatment that help to prolong life and reduce disease, but it has extended its role into the assessment of disease and the facilitation of treatment. This module examines the role law now plays in attempting to regulate these processes, and how ethical principles are applied to medical decisions.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

The relationship between law and medical ethics
Confidentiality
Consent to medical treatment
Medical negligence
Medical malpractice litigation
Abortion
Legal issues relating to the beginning of life
Fertility treatment
Definition of death
Euthanasia
Advance Directives
Organ transplants

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Understand and apply the concepts and doctrines from across the spectrum of law as it regulates the relationships between healthcare professionals and patients and the healthcare system as a whole. To be able to use and understand relevant legal materials including legislation, common law and administrative rules.
• Understand and apply the main theories of bioethicsUnderstand the social, political and economic context in which medicine is practised and regulated
• Understand the international context in which medicine is practised and regulated, with particular reference to the European Convention on Bioethics
• Identify and use primary and secondary legal sources and journals relevant to medical ethics and the law
• Identify contemporary debates and engage with these while accurately reporting the law in the area
• Identify and use both legal and non-legal sources both within the library and elsewhere in paper and electronic format
• Work independently to gain understanding of materials/issues in medical ethics and the law
• Understand and utilise the language of ethics and medical law
• How to discuss sensitive, ethical and political questions in a constructive and coherent manner
• Use electronic retrieval system e.g. Lexis andWestlaw, and to be able to use such systems to conduct complex searches
• Able to work in groups, contributing effectively to the group's task

Indicative reading list

BRAZIER and CAYE, Medicine, Patients and the Law, 4th ed., (2007) Penguin
HERRING, Medical Law and Ethics, 6th ed., (2016) Oxford
University Press
JACKSON, Medical Law: Text, Cases and Materials, 3rd ed., (2013) Oxford University Press

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

No subject specific skills defined for this module.

Transferable skills

No transferable skills defined for this module.