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01 May 2008 / Peter Gooderham
Issue: 7319 / Categories: Features , Legal services , Procedure & practice , Profession
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Book Reviews

Medical

Elements of Medical Law 2nd ed 2007

Charles Foster/ Claerhout / £30

This slim volume has a refreshingly simple approach, with an early declaration that “medical law is nothing like as difficult as practitioners in the field…pretend that is”. In a market probably over-endowed with recent texts of medical law, this looks promising.

Throughout, the writing style is commendably readable, using short, clear sentences which tell us what we need to know. The author's opinion is expressed abundantly and often amusingly, which makes the book as a whole hugely enjoyable to read.

A text with a stated agenda of simplification may sometimes overdo it. Foster has overwhelmingly avoided that danger. Exceptions arise in his chapter on The Law of Death, which includes too brief a consideration of gross negligence manslaughter, and somewhat oversimplified treatment of the complex issues of palliative care and euthanasia (in contrast to withholding treatment).

However, most subjects covered are dealt with well, and some very well. Those in the Department of Health responsible for the

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

DAC Beachcroft—Clare Dewar

DAC Beachcroft—Clare Dewar

DAC Beachcroft strengthens Scottish real estate capabilitywith partner appointment

Womble Bond Dickinson—Brendan Ryan

Womble Bond Dickinson—Brendan Ryan

Womble Bond Dickinson appoints Brendan Ryan as partner in Public Law Projects team

Parklane Plowden Chambers—five appointments

Parklane Plowden Chambers—five appointments

Parklane Plowden Chambers welcomes five new barristers

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A time-restricted bank tax, a ‘roadmap to fiscal devolution’, extension to parental leave, entrepreneur’s relief and a giveaway on energy bills for households are the headlines in Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey’s 2026 Autumn Budget
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The Land Registry has launched two consultations aimed at making its information more publicly accessible, ‘Restructuring HM Land Registry fees’, and ‘Future of access to HM Land Registry information’
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