This text presents a balanced approach to the study of medical malpractice. Divided into two main components, it first follows the history and development of medical malpractice in the United States and then covers the process of litigation from both sides in the case. Effective learning features include assignments which are designed to integrate information from each chapter into a realistic situation. Sample medical records, definitions of medical and legal terminology, and sample legal forms are provided to enhance student comprehension of key concepts. The text provides actual documents to give insight into real world cases and demonstrates how a case progresses from beginning to end. This concise, yet detailed book represents both a defense and plaintiff focus. Designed to encompass both early history and modern day principles, The Law of Medical Malpractice takes the student from a brief history of civil liability for professional malfeasance to the anatomy of a lawsuit and the medical malpractice trial. The many applications are based on true cases and provide an accurate depiction of medical malpractice as it exists today.