Medical law is a branch of law concerned with the responsibilities of healthcare professionals and the rights of patients. Civil cases (litigation) are heard in the County and High Court in England and Wales, and Sheriff Courts and Court of Session in Scotland. If a trial takes place, then the claimant has to provide enough evidence, and judgment would be based on the balance of probabilities. Both parties can appeal the judgment. Criminal cases (proceedings) are dealt with by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in most cases. The CPS engages barristers to conduct the prosecution in the higher court. The burden of proof is placed on the prosecution. They must call supporting evidences to prove that the defendant is guilty. The defendant then needs to prove that the evidence is unreliable and that the evidence does not prove guilt to the required standards. i.e. beyond reasonable doubt. Doctors should always be aware of certain aspects of medicolegal principles in their practice, such as rules for appearing in court for doctors, writing a statement, mental health act, brain stem death, and confidentiality.
Personal Independence Payments, Mental Distress and Uniform Policy in Determining Mobility Claims
