The Doctor and the Law Some of the legal and
medical aspects of the trial and acquittal of Dr. Bourne this week are examined by Lord Horder in an article in this issue ; it is fair to say that the case aroused public interest in a degree which was no more than it merited. There is little doubt that the verdict corresponded with prevailing public opinion today ; if this is true, then the trial of Dr. Bourne, and the verdict given, have performed a public service by laying down an interpretation of the law which increases what may be called its moral sanction. It became clear from the evidence offered in the case that many doctors of the highest professional skill and integrity were finding it difficult to reconcile their duty to their patients with observing the law in its strictest interpretation. The admir- able summing up in the case gave an excellent summary of the law as it must be held to stand now ; and it is to the public advantage that a difficult conflict of duties has been removed, and that doctors need not be hindered by fear from taking a course 'Which their science adviais.
Previous page
