This valuable book is distinctive in that it deals with both law and ethics. There is both practical and academic value in knowing 'what the law requires' and ' what is right', and in understanding that these two are not always the same. This second edition builds upon the strengths of the first. The interface between law, ethics and nursing is explored in the first part of the book as are patient complaints and the changing policy context of nursing law. The chapters in Part 2 contain both legal and ethical perspectives on more specialist topics including negligence, consent, resource allocation, mental health nursing, the critically ill patient, clinical governance and research.