After studying this chapter, you should be able to

1. Discuss the three primary sources of law.

2. Differentiate between criminal law and civil law.

3. Distinguish among plaintiff, the prosecution, and defendant.

4. Define intentional and unintentional torts.

5. Explain the unintentional tort of negligence.

6. List and discuss the four essential elements of a contract.

7. Differentiate between expressed contracts and implied contracts.

8. Discuss the contractual rights and responsibilities of both physicians and patients.

9. Relate how the law of agency and the doctrine of respondeat superior apply to health care contracts.