Intro to Law & Ethics

American Medical Association Principles

A code of ethics for members of the American Medical Association, written in 1847.

Protocol

A code prescribing correct behavior in a specific situation, such as a situation arising in a medical office.

Summary judgment

A decision made by a court in a lawsuit in response to a motion that pleads there is no basis for trial.

Bioethics

A discipline dealing with ethical implications of biological research methods and results, especially in medicine.

Code of ethics

A list of principles intended to govern behavior -- here, the behavior of those entrusted with providing care to the sick.

Hippocratic Oath

A pledge for physicians, developed by the Greek physician Hippocrates circa 400 B.C.E

Liable

Accountable under the law.

Ethics committee

Committee made up of individuals who are involved in a patient's care, including health care practitioners, family members, clergy, and others, with the purpose of reviewing ethical issue in difficult cases.

Precedent

Decisions made by judges in the various courts that become rules of law and apply to future cases, even though they were not enacted by a legislature; also known as case law

Fraud

Dishonest or deceitful practices in depriving, or attempting to deprive, another of his or her rights.

Moral Values

One's personal concept of right and wrong, formed through the influence of the family, culture, and society.

Litigious

Prone to engage in lawsuits.

Ethic guidelines

Publications that detail a wide variety of ethical situations that professionals might face in their work and offer principles for dealing with the situations in a ethical manner.

Law

Rule of conduct or action prescribed or formally recognized as binding or enforced by a controlling authority.

Common sense

Sound practical judgment.

Medical ethicist or bioethicist

Specialists who consult with physicians, researchers, and others to help them make difficult ethical decisions regarding patient care.

Ethics

Standards of behavior, developed as a result of one's concept of right and wrong.

Etiquette

Standars of behavior considered to be good manners among members of a profession as they function as individuals in society.

Critical thinking

The ability to think analytically, using fewer emotions and more rationality.

Compassion

The identification with and understanding of another's situation. feelings and motives.

Plaintiff

The person bringing charges in a lawsuit.

Defendant

The person or party against whom criminal or civil charges are brought in a lawsuit.

Courtesy

The practice of good manners.

Health care practitioners

Those who are trained to administer medical or health care to patients.