Definitions
A decision made by a court in a lawsuit in response to a motion that pleads there is no basis for a trial
summary judgment
Rule of conduct or action that is binding or enforced by a controlling authority
law
A pledge for physicians
Hippocratic oath
The identification with and understanding of another’s situation, feelings, and motives.
compassion
The person or party against whom criminal or civil charges are brought in a lawsuit
defendant
Decisions made by judges in the various courts that become rule of law
precedent
personal concept of right and wrong, formed through the influence of the family, culture, and society
moral values
Prone to engage in lawsuits
litigious
The practice of good manners
courtesy
The person bringing charges in a lawsuit.
plaintiff
Dishonest or deceitful practices
fraud
Standards of behavior, developed as a result of one’s concept of right and wrong
ethics
A code prescribing correct behavior in a specific situation
protocol
Standards of behavior considered to be good manners
etiquette
Those who are trained to administer medical or health care to patients
health care practitioners
Publications that detail a wide variety of ethical situations
ethics guidelines
A list of principles intended to govern behavior
code of ethics
Legally responsible or obligated
liable
Sound practical judgement
What is common sense
Committee whose purpose is reviewing ethical issues in difficult cases
ethics committee
abilities acquired in your course of study
technical skills
A discipline dealing with the ethical implications of biological research methods
bioethics
traits and capabilities that allow you to get along well with others
People skills
The ability to think analytically, using fewer emotions and more rationality
critical thinking
Specialists who consult with physicians, researchers, and others to help them make difficult ethical decisions regarding patient care
medical ethicist or bioethicist