Manslaughter by gross negligence in a medical context

Table of contents

• Original news
• What issues did this case raise?
• To what extent is the judgment helpful in clarifying the circumstances in which it will be appropriate to obtain expert evidence in this type of case?
• What are the implications for lawyers?
• Are there still any unresolved issues lawyers will need to watch out for?
• Are there any trends emerging in the law in this area?

Article summary

Corporate Crime analysis: A recent appeal by a doctor found guilty of manslaughter by failing to spot symptoms of severe diabetes in a patient has been rejected by the Court of Appeal. But are sentences imposed for gross negligence manslaughter too severe and should the test for a finding of gross negligence be tightened? Jonathan Zimmern, a clinical negligence barrister at Field Fisher Waterhouse, and David Campion, a barrister who specialises in employment, personal injury and professional regulatory work at Garden Court North Chambers in Manchester, discuss the issues.