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36 Med. Sci. & L. 1 (1996)

handle is hein.journals/mdsclw36 and id is 1 raw text is: 



Goode: Editorial 1


Editorial


PROFESSOR A W GOODE


This edition of Medicine Science and the Law is
a landmark  in the history of the journal. It is
the first under new  Editors  and Editorial
Board  and in particular, the first for 25 years
not to be edited by Professor Cameron. 'Taffy'
Cameron's  contribution to Medicine, Science
and the Law has been prodigious, having been
its focus and inspiration for a quarter of a
century. It is appropriate not only to thank him
for his great contribution but also to acknow-
ledge his dynamism, unlimited generosity and
good humour  to all who have worked with him.
Happily, it is not farewell but rather, in recog-
nition of his services, it is the unanimous wish
that he becomes our Consulting Editor. I am
pleased to say that he has accepted this new
position - a fulsome tribute from The British
Academy  of Forensic Sciences and the new Edi-
torial Board.
   As we still have Professor Cameron's wis-
dom  and experience to hand, and in keeping
with our view of the future, it will be a time of
evolution not revolution. The first change is in
the composition of the Editorial Board. There
are now  three section editors representing
Medicine, Science and the Law with the Chair-
man  of the Editorial Board drawn from these
and  changing in rotation. As everyone sus-
pected  it shows  that 'Taffy' Cameron   is
irreplaceable and has been replaced by a troika
of editors! It is hoped that the section editors
will stimulate and, indeed, commission articles
within their own discipline. I am delighted that
Dr Patrick Lincoln has accepted the position of
Science  Editor   and  His  Honour   Judge
Lawrence  will be the Legal Editor with myself
as Medical Editor. It is also a pleasure to wel-
come  Mr  Anthony  Heaton-Armstrong  to the
Editorial Board who  will increase the legal
representation and bring particular expertise.
The structure and composition of the new Edi-


torial Board reflects the wide experience avail-
able in the Academy  to interpret the almost
manic pace of innovation and change in medi-
cine and  science and  the  comprehensive
development  and extension of legislation and
case law.
   Certainly, in a wider context medicine, sci-
ence and the law seem to be at a crossroads, in
particular the latter in its relationship with the
other two disciplines and the role of all three in
the context of a modern demanding and possi-
bly not as well informed as it believes society.
These strains have been manifest in the spate
of medical negligence cases descending upon
hospitals, with the doctors pointing their fin-
gers at rapacious lawyers whom they consider
may  have base  motives and lawyers saying
doctors believe they should be above the law. In
this polarization, only rancour and defensive
practice can triumph unless all parties stop
and think again. We should, within the Acad-
emy, welcome the foresight of our founders who
have provided us with an ideal platform in this
modern  world. The Academy's  ethos has al-
ways been the education of each discipline by
the others and a considered standard of best
practice viewed from our three standpoints.
Now, above any time I can recall in my career,
the role of the Academy will be crucial to influ-
ence our common practice for the best interests
of our patients or clients.
   The British Academy of Forensic Sciences is
active, vibrant and stimulating; Medicine, Sci-
ence and the Law is its mouthpiece and we will
continue to publish refereed original articles of
the highest standard, together with meeting
reports and occasional review articles. Above
all, it is your journal and we welcome any
suggestions about any aspect of the publication
and  particularly views about regular future
content.

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