Legal TermsChapter 4

Civil Law Focus on legal relationships Protection of a person’s rights

Criminal Law Wrongs against a person, property, or society Act is a misdemeanor or felony

Civil Law vs. Criminal Law

Failure of a professional to use the degree of skilled learned

Results in injury, loss / damage to the person

Ex = failure to administer a tetanus shot

Malpractice

Failure to give care that is expected

Ex = Pt. falls out of bed because side rails are left down

Negligence

Assault Threat or attempt to injure

Battery Unlawful touching of another person without

consent (usually violent)

Assault / Battery

Releasing personal information about a pt. without consent

Unnecessarily exposing a person

Invasion of Privacy

Restraining an individual (with no justification)

Restricting an individual’s freedom

False Imprisonment

Any care that results in physical harm, pain, or mental anguish

4 Types Physical Verbal Psychological (Mental) Sexual

Abuse

False statements that damage a person’s reputation

2 Types Slander (Spoken) Libel (Written)

Defamation