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The Doctor, The Damage, and The Shocking Death of Michael Jackson

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Published in 83 Minutes: The Doctor The Damage And The Shocking Death Of Michael Jackson

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83 Minutes: The Doctor, the Damage, and the Shocking Death of Michael Jackson

by Matt Richards

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Michael Jackson's untimely death at the age of 50 in 2009 has been the subject of much speculation and controversy. This article examines the legal and ethical issues surrounding the role of Conrad Murray, the doctor who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. It also explores the potential impact of this case on medical malpractice litigation and the relationship between doctors and patients.

The Legal Case

Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death in 2011. The jury found that Murray had acted recklessly in administering propofol, a powerful anesthetic, to Jackson without proper monitoring. Murray was sentenced to four years in prison, but he was released after serving two years.

The legal case against Murray was based on the theory of medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or other healthcare professional fails to meet the standard of care and causes injury or death to a patient. In order to prove medical malpractice, the plaintiff must show that the doctor owed the patient a duty of care, that the doctor breached that duty, and that the breach of duty caused the patient's injuries or death.

In the Murray case, the jury found that Murray owed Jackson a duty of care because he was his personal physician. The jury also found that Murray breached that duty by administering propofol to Jackson without proper monitoring. The jury further found that Murray's breach of duty caused Jackson's death.

The Ethical Issues

In addition to the legal issues, the Murray case also raises a number of ethical issues. One of the most important ethical issues is the question of whether Murray put Jackson's life at risk by administering propofol to him without proper monitoring. Propofol is a powerful anesthetic that can be dangerous if it is not used properly. Murray was aware of the risks of propofol, but he chose to administer it to Jackson anyway.

Another ethical issue that arises in the Murray case is the question of whether Murray was acting in Jackson's best interests. Murray was Jackson's personal physician, and he was supposed to be looking out for Jackson's health and well-being. However, Murray's actions in administering propofol to Jackson without proper monitoring suggest that he was more concerned with keeping Jackson happy than with protecting his health.

The Impact of the Case

The Murray case has had a significant impact on medical malpractice litigation. The case has made doctors more aware of the risks of medical malpractice and has led to a number of changes in the way that medical malpractice cases are litigated. One of the most important changes is the increasing use of expert witnesses in medical malpractice cases. Expert witnesses can testify about the standard of care and whether the doctor breached that standard of care. The use of expert witnesses has made it more difficult for doctors to defend against medical malpractice claims.

The Murray case has also had a significant impact on the relationship between doctors and patients. The case has made patients more aware of the risks of medical malpractice and has led them to be more cautious about trusting their doctors. The case has also made doctors more aware of the importance of patient autonomy and the need to respect the patient's wishes.

The Murray case is a complex and tragic case that raises a number of important legal and ethical issues. The case has had a significant impact on medical malpractice litigation and the relationship between doctors and patients. It is a case that will continue to be studied and debated for years to come.

83 Minutes: The Doctor, the Damage, and the Shocking Death of Michael Jackson

by Matt Richards

4.3 out of 5