NCJ Number
4851
Journal
Medicine, Science, and the Law Volume: 12 Issue: 3 Dated: (JULY 1972) Pages: 154-170
Date Published
1972
Length
17 pages
Annotation
COMMENTS BY A NIGERIAN BARRISTER ON CONTROVERSIAL AREAS WHERE MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE IS APPLIED TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LAW.
Abstract
THE AUTHOR REVIEWS STATUTES AND CASES FROM SEVERAL COUNTRIES ON CONFLICTS BETWEEN MEDICAL ETHICS AND THE LAW. HE EXAMINES THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF PROFESSIONAL SECRECY AND PRIVILEGE, MALPRACTICE, PATIENT CONSENT TO TREATMENT, AND THE ROLE OF THE DOCTOR AS EXPERT WITNESS. AN ATTEMPT IS MADE TO DEFINE THE COMMON GOALS OF LAW AND MEDICINE, AND THE FORCES THAT DIVIDE AND UNITE THE TWO PROFESSION. HE CONCLUDES WITH A PLEA FOR THE ACADEMIC RECOGNITION OF LEGAL MEDICINE IN NIGERIA, AND FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MEDICO-LEGAL SERVICE.