THE IMPORTANCE OF LEGAL EDUCATION IN MEDICINE COURSES: A PATH TOWARDS ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE MEDICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

Legal education in medical school has become increasingly important in the training of future healthcare professionals. Issues related to physicians' civil, criminal, and ethical liability, as well as patient rights, require physicians not only to possess technical competence but also regulatory and institutional knowledge. This article analyzes the relevance of incorporating legal content into medical training, highlighting how this integration can foster safer, more ethical practice aligned with legal principles. The methodology used was a literature review based on current legislation, institutional documents, and academic studies. It concludes that legal training is essential for the conscientious practice of medicine, representing a strategic element in building a clinical practice committed to fundamental rights and social justice.