Module Code - Title:
LA4006
-
MEDICAL LAW
Year Last Offered:
2026/7
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of the legal and ethical issues associated with the practice of medicine. The interface between law and medicine has become increasingly controversial in recent years. Aside from traditional concerns such as those relating to medical confidentially and access to medical records, an increasing awareness of the need to recognise and respect the autonomy of patients has raised new concerns which the legal system must address. This module seeks to introduce students to the challenges posed in the legal regulation of medical practice by introducing them to the law relating to medical confidentiality, access to medical records, consent to treatment and end-of-life decision-making.
Syllabus:
This module covers: legal and ethical issues surrounding medical confidentiality and access to medical records; human rights and ethical perspectives on autonomy in healthcare decision-making; informed consent to medical treatment; capacity to consent in relation to minors and those with mental incapacity; refusal of treatment and; end-of-life decision-making.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
On completion of this module, students will be able to:
Identify the ethical and legal framework relating to medical confidentiality;
Identify the ethical and legislative framework surrounding access to medical records;
Describe the human rights and ethical foundation for respect of patient autonomy in the context of healthcare decision-making;
Evaluate current case-law and legislation in the area with reference to the principles of respect for patient autonomy.
Apply current legislation and case-law to hypothetical situations and advise a hypothetical patient on his/her rights under existing Irish law.
Evaluate the challenges faced in this area of law and identify avenues for reform.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
On completion of this module, students should:
Judge the conflicts which may occur between medical ethics and legal principles.
Evaluate the ways in which law can impact upon both patients and healthcare practitioners.
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N.A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This research-led module will be delivered by experts in their field. Delivery will be through on campus lectures and tutorials. The tutorials (typically involving problem-based learning) will facilitate interaction and collaboration between students and faculty. This challenge driven style of tutorial is designed to foster curiosity, and build both problem solving skills and student confidence to articulate.
Prime Texts:
Deirdre Madden (2023)
Medicine, Ethics and the Law, 4th edition
, Bloomsbury Professional
Other Relevant Texts:
Anne-Maree Farrell and Edward S. Dove (2023)
Mason and McCall Smith's Law and Medical Ethics, 12th edn.
, Oxford University Press
Jonathan Herring (2025)
Medical Law and Ethics
10th edn.
, Oxford University Press
Emily Jackson (2022)
Medical Law: Text, Cases and Materials, 6th edn.
, Oxford Universtiy Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN APPLIED LANGUAGES
BACHELOR OF LAWS
BACHELOR OF LAWS (LAW PLUS)
Semester(s) Module is Offered:
Autumn
Spring
Module Leader:
john.lombard@ul.ie