Medical Law and Ethics

Undergraduate | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Your studies will be on-campus, and may include some online delivery
On campus
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Area/Catalogue
LAWS 1092
Course ID icon
Course ID
207340
Campus icon
Campus
Adelaide City Campus East
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course owner
Course owner
School of Law
Course coordinator
Course coordinator
Michaela Okninski
Course level icon
Course level
1
Work Integrated Learning course
Work Integrated Learning course
No
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Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes

Course overview

The course focuses on the legal relationship between medical practitioners and their patients. It considers the legal implications of the provision of medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. The course considers the torts of negligence and battery in the medical context as well as other selected topics, such as privacy and confidentiality of health information, medical treatment of minors, medico-legal issues in end-of-life care, and the legal implications of evolving technology used in medical treatment. The course also provides an introduction to bioethics, examining ethical theories and principles involved in medical decision-making.

Course learning outcomes

  • Comprehend and apply key legal principles governing the doctor-patient relationship
  • Critically evaluate ethical and legal dilemmas faced by medical practitioners;
  • Conduct client interviews to practice and develop legal communication skills and professionalism
  • Formulate written legal advice to clients facing (simulated) legal dilemmas in their medical practice
  • Articulate and develop persuasive legal arguments on complex and contentious medico-legal issues

Availability

Census date Icon
Census date
Fri 16/01/2026
Enrol by date
Enrol by date
Mon 12/01/2026
Last day to W
Last day to W
Tue 20/01/2026
Last day to WF
Last day to WF
Fri 23/01/2026

Class details

Adelaide City Campus East

Class number
Class number 11015
Section
Section SE01
Size
Size 70
Available
Available 0
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
27 Jan - 30 Jan Tuesday 9:10am - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Barr Smith South, 1063
Class number
Class number 11016
Section
Section WS01
Size
Size 70
Available
Available 0
Dates Days Time Campus Location Instructor
11 Feb - 12 Feb Wednesday 9:10am - 4pm Adelaide City Campus East Barr Smith South, 522B
Notes:
This course is available to B Laws students only

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

  • must not have completed LAW2516 Medical Law and Ethics at the University of Adelaide

Fee calculator

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Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.

Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.

The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.

Degree list
The following degrees include this course