Prof Resp Flashcards
What is common law?
Given an example of something that would be considered a common law case?
Unwritten laws that arise as a precedent.
A body of law based on judicial decisions, I.e. it is based on normal practice, it is law developed by judges through decisions of courts
Murder, manslaughter, common assault
What is civil law?
Concerned with disputes between individuals and organisations
Deals with negligence (torts law)
Define statutory law
Laws that have been made by an act of parliament.
Government introduce a bill to update existing laws/develop new laws.
The bill is debated in parliament and once passed is drafted into law.
What is criminal law?
Deals with disputes between society and individuals or organisations (e.g.RSPCA/police).
Deals with breaches of legislation.
What is the purpose of criminal law?
To maintain law and order and protect the public
Who hears a civil case ?
Up to 3 judges
Who hears a criminal case?
A judge and a jury
What is involved in a civil case in terms of outcome?
Each case will have different ‘counts’. Each one is viewed individually.
The defendant will be found liable or not liable.
Either party can appeal.
Consequence usually monetary. There is no custodial sentence unless fines are not paid (& would then be dealt with in criminal court as contempt of court)
What is the outcome of criminal court?
Defendants are presumed innocent until sufficient proof.
Either innocent or guilty.
Results in a custodial sentence, community service, fines or a combination
How long roughly do
A) civil
B) criminal
cases take?
A) 3-10 years
B) 1-2 years
How would civil law apply to a VN?
When would it no longer be a civil case?
Negligence
VNs have a duty of care in law ‘not to cause harm or loss to clients’.
If this does occur, the owner would have a negligence claim.
This would no longer be a civil case if the Animal Welfare Act or the Veterinary Surgeons Act were breached
What is a Precedent?
A legal decision that serves as an authoritative rule in cases that come after
I.e. decisions established in previous legal cases
Give 2 examples of Precedent Cases
- Donoghue vs Stephenson 1932
- ‘love thy neighbour’ principle
- duty of care to those who you should consider when you’re doing something
- e.g. if a consumer receives an infected food product, even if they didn’t purchase it, they should be responsible for that consumer’s health. - Bolam vs. Friem Hospital Management Committee 1957
- A doctor conducted an electrotherapy on a patient but did not give muscle relaxant which resulted in injury. But other doctors would have done the same and it was scientifically valid as a decision.
- Created the Bolam rule that is… a person is not negligent if they did something that other people within their profession would have done.
Give 3 examples of Statutory Law
- Finn’s Law
- Protects service animals - stops humans being able to harm them and claim self defence - Lucy’s Law 2019
- Stops 3rd parties being able to sell puppies and kittens - Animal Welfare (sentencing) Act 2021
- Increased the sentence for animal neglect/welfare issues from 6 months to 5years.
What are the 3 stages in proving negligence?
- Is there a duty of care?
- Has there been a breach of that duty of care?
- Has this resulted in damage which could have been reasonably foreseeable?
What is the purpose of the rcvs?
To regulate VSs in accordance with the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and VNs in accordance with the VSA 1966, The royal charter2015 and The Veterinary Nurse Conduct and Discipline Rules 2014. In order to protect the public interest and safeguard animal health and welfare.
What is Schedule 3?
The VSA1966 (Schedule 3 Amendment) Order 2002. It allows VSs to direct RVNs/SVNs who they employ, to carry out limited veterinary surgery (giving medical treatment or carrying out minor surgery - not entering a body cavity).
What is meant by
a) direction
b) supervision
c) direct, continuous supervision
a) VN instructs RVN/SVN to carry out a task, but is not necessarily present
b) VS is present on the premises and is able to respond to an assistance request if needed
c) VS or RVN is giving the SVN their undivided attention
What is the official name of the laws protecting animals in Scotland, England and Wales?
Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006
Animal Welfare Act (England and Wales) 2007