This book investigates the complex intersection of legal frameworks and ethical standards governing medical research to provide a practical guide for practitioners and committee members. Hazel Biggs, an expert in medical law, synthesizes historical developments with contemporary regulatory requirements to examine how research ethics committees (RECs) navigate their responsibilities. The text provides a structured analysis of the legal liabilities and moral obligations inherent in conducting human-subject research.

Experts identify this work as a practical resource for members of ethics committees and medical professionals navigating regulatory compliance. Readers frequently note the clarity with which the author bridges the gap between abstract ethical theory and concrete legal application.