ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we are concerned with the legal and ethical issues presented by medical research. To this end, we look fi rst at the scientifi c methodology of research, and examine the key ethical dilemmas raised by such practices. The remaining sections then consider the legal and quasi-legal constraints that operate upon the researcher; in particular the need for research to be subject to independent ethical review: the requirement that the subject consent to research; the various voluntary codes which seek to impose further safeguards in this fi eld; and the issue of ex post facto compensation for those injured during the course of research.
