Medical Ethics
/ˈmɛdɪkəl ˈɛθɪks/
Definitions
- (n.) The branch of ethics focusing on moral principles governing medical practice and research, including patient rights, consent, and confidentiality.
Medical ethics require doctors to obtain informed consent before treatment.
- (n.) A field within legal scholarship addressing the legal implications of ethical issues in medical contexts, such as malpractice, bioethics, and healthcare regulation.
Disputes over end-of-life decisions often involve medical ethics considerations in court.
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Commentary
Medical ethics often overlap with bioethics but emphasizes practical medical duties and legal responsibilities; clarity in drafting should distinguish ethical obligations from enforceable legal duties.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.