Chapter 7
Legal Dimensions
of Nursing Practice
,Definition of “Law”
Standard or rule of conduct established and
enforced by government
Designed to protect the rights of the public
,Law Terminology
Litigation: process of bringing and trying a
lawsuit
Plaintiff: person bringing suit
Defendant: person being accused of a
crime
Presumed innocent until proven
guilty
, Types of Laws
Public law—government is directly involved
Regulates relationships between
individuals and government
Private law—civil law
Regulates relationships among people
Criminal law—concerns state and federal
criminal statutes
Defines criminal actions (e.g., murder,
theft)
Legal Dimensions
of Nursing Practice
,Definition of “Law”
Standard or rule of conduct established and
enforced by government
Designed to protect the rights of the public
,Law Terminology
Litigation: process of bringing and trying a
lawsuit
Plaintiff: person bringing suit
Defendant: person being accused of a
crime
Presumed innocent until proven
guilty
, Types of Laws
Public law—government is directly involved
Regulates relationships between
individuals and government
Private law—civil law
Regulates relationships among people
Criminal law—concerns state and federal
criminal statutes
Defines criminal actions (e.g., murder,
theft)
