RAMAIAH

College of Law

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"Introduction to Forensic Science, Medical Law and Ethics"

(Value-added Course)

Objective of the Course

Today crime rates are on the increase and the criminal justice system is largely dependent on
Forensic Science to detect these crimes. Several crimes which may have gone undetected are
now better proved with the help of Forensic Science.

In most Universities, law students obtain their degree in law without being introduced to
forensic science, medical law or ethics. When they start practising, particularly in the area of
criminal law, they have to examine forensic experts and doctors in a Court of law, without
having a basic concept -,pf the medical practice or the forensic investigation of crime.

Similarly, a knowledge of medical ethics is pertinent for lawyers, as they are bound to examine .
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cases related to medical negligence and professonional misconduct of doctors.

With this in mind, and since Interdisciplinary Education is the backbone of the National
Education Policy {NEP)-2020, we propose to introduce an on-line Value-added Course of 30
hours duration on "Introduction to Forensic Science, Medical Law and Ethics" for students
of the integrated 5 year Law Course. It is open to all Law students and Medical College
students in M. S. Ramaiah Group of Institutions.

Course description

The Course will be divided into three units.

Unit 1: Introduction to Forensic Science [The duration of each sub-unit is 2 hours from 2:00
pm to 4:00 pm].

1.1 Definition of Forensic Science. Principles of Forensic Science. Forensic Science Laboratory
and its functions. Role of Forensic Science in crime investigation. •.

1.2 Fundamentals of DNA typing and its application.

1.3 Polygraphy (lie detection test), Brain mapping, Narco analysis and its relevance to Article
20 (3) of the Indian Constitution-the doctrine of self-incrimination.

Unit 2: Medical law (lhe duration of each sub-unit is 2 hours)

2.1 Guidelines of the Indian Medical Council, the State Medical Council and the National
Medical Commission.

2.2 Rights and Privileges of a Registered Medical Practitioner. Rights and duties of a patient.
2.3 Mental Health and Forensic Psychiatry.

2.4 Euthanasia and its legal aspects.

Unit 3- Ethics and the medical profession (The duration of each sub-unit is 2 hours)

3.1 Medical Ethics- Hippocratic oath, Declaration of Geneva and the Medical etiquette.

3.2 Principles of medical ethics- Non maleficence, Beneficence, Autonomy and Justice.

3.3 Consent and Medical Practice and Professional Secrecy (Confidentiality) and Privileged
communication.
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3.4 Professional misconduct and Professional negligence.

3.5 Contributory Negligence, Corporate Negligence, Therapeutic rnisadvepture, Res Ipsa

loquitur.

3.6 Ethical issues relating to Death and Organ transplantation.

3.7 Clinical Research & Drug Trials and their ethical implications. \
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3.8 Reproductive medicine ethics-Abortion and Assisted Conception.

Evaluation / Assessment

The Course will carry maximum 100 marks.

Multiple Choice Questions - 25 questions of 2 marks each - 50 marks.

Well-researched projects- project writing and evaluating the same - 50 marks.

50% of marks will be the pass percentage.

The grading will be as follows:

• 50% & above - Pass

• 60% & above - First Class.
• 75% & above - Distinction.

This grading will be reflected in the Letter of Appreciation on Completion of the Course.

Class schedule

The 30 hours online classes will be held on Saturdays for a 2 hour duration from 2:00 pm to
4:00 pm.
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The classes are expected to commence on January 7, 2023 this Semester and it will be
conducted by :
Dr. Ajee Kuruvills, Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, MSU-Ramaiah
International Medical School, Bangalore.

Ms. Gayathri S, Assistant Professor, Ramaiah College of Law will be the Course-coordinator.
She will be responsible for recording the attendance of the students and engaging them from
time to time. Prof. (Dr.) Rose Varghese, Director Academics will also join for interactive
Sessions.

letter of Appreciation for successfully completing the Value-added Course on, "Introduction
to Forensic Science, Medical Law and Ethics", will be awarded to students on the completion
of the Course and the Assessment, by the Ramaiah College of Law.

* Registration is to be completed by January 6 2023.

1

., Prof. (Dr.) Rose Varghese

Director (Academics),
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Ramaiah College of law .