Australian Medical Law
By: John Devereux
First Published in 2006. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
AI Overview
"Australian Medical Law" by John Devereux is a comprehensive textbook that explores the intricate relationships between medical practice and various legal frameworks. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Introduction to Bio-Ethical Principles: The book begins with an introduction to bio-ethical principles, setting the foundation for its subsequent discussions on medical law.
Interplay of Legal Areas: It delves into the interplay of different areas of law, including contract, crime, and tort law, and how these impact medical practice.
Consent to Treatment: A significant focus is given to the thorny issue of consent to treatment, covering contract, battery, and negligence aspects.
Confidentiality and Access to Medical Records: The text also discusses confidentiality and access to medical records, which are crucial in maintaining patient trust and privacy.
Complaints and Transplants: Other areas covered include complaints procedures and the legal aspects of transplants, highlighting the complexities involved in these medical procedures.
Civil Liability Acts: The book includes commentary on the Civil Liability Act, which is pivotal in understanding the legal framework governing healthcare liability in Australia.
Criminal Law Aspects of Treatment: It examines the criminal law aspects of treatment, addressing issues related to medical malpractice and criminal negligence.
Information and Medical Practice: The text also explores the relationship between information and medical practice, including discussions on AIDS and medical law.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of medical law in Australia. It begins with an introduction to bio-ethical principles and then dives into the various legal areas that impact medical practice. The chapters are organized to cover key topics such as consent to treatment, confidentiality, access to medical records, complaints procedures, and transplants. The latest case law is included to provide practical examples and insights into how these legal principles are applied in real-world scenarios.
Critical Reception
While specific reviews are not provided in the sources, the book is described as "clearly expressed and accessible" and "relevant to all students and practitioners involved in the burgeoning field of medical law". It is also noted as a "sourcebook of readings, cases and commentary on medical law topics," indicating its utility as a reference text for both academic and professional purposes.
Editions and Publication Details
The book is available in its third edition, published on January 25, 2007, by Taylor & Francis Ltd. It is a paperback with 1192 pages, priced at $118.75. The ISBN numbers are 9781876905385 and 1876905387.
In summary, "Australian Medical Law" by John Devereux is a seminal work in the field of medical law, offering a detailed and accessible exploration of the legal frameworks governing medical practice in Australia. Its comprehensive coverage and inclusion of the latest case law make it an invaluable resource for students and practitioners alike.