Medicolegal and Ethical Issues in the Practice of Toxicology: A British Perspective

Law impacts every aspect of our society. This chapter will examine key areas of interaction between toxicology and the law. These range from the regulation of chemicals through expert evidence, to the communication of toxicological science to the public. Within the context of human experience, toxicologists can contribute to many types of disputes and be drawn into a wide range of circumstances. An underlying understanding of the issues and the objectives that the law seeks to achieve can prevent the toxicologist from falling into a trap and to avoid that most damaging of experience, judicial criticism. The writer's experience has been predominantly in the United Kingdom and in common law systems generally. This chapter will begin with an overview of the legal system. It will then examine a number of areas of concern, such as expert evidence and whistle-blowing, where the law provides something of a safety net for ethical standards. Finally, it looks at a number of emerging areas of interest where toxicologists are increasingly involved.