Public Health Law Map - Beta 5 - Medical and Public Health Law Site

Opinion The judicial reasons given for an
appellate court’s decision.
Ordinance A law passed by a municipal
legislative body such as a city
council.
Original Petition The pleading that begins a lawsuit.
Also called the complaint.
OSHA The Occupational Safety and Health
Administration.
OSHA 200 Log A specific log of occupational
injuries and illnesses that must be
kept by businesses with high risk.
Parens Patria The power of the state to act as
parent to protect an individual for the
individual’s own good. This is
different from the police power, in
that the individual is protected
because of the state’s interest in not
having to bear the burden of injured
citizens. Motorcycle helmet laws are
enacted under parens patria.
Parol Evidence Oral evidence rather than written
evidence. The parol evidence rule
says that a written contract is
presumed to be the final expression
of agreement between the parties and
other oral testimony cannot be used
to vary the terms of the contract.
Party Any direct, named litigant in a legal
proceeding.
Patient Dumping The slang term for transferring a
patient because the patient is unable
to pay for the needed care.
Peer Review The process whereby a group of
physicians determines the medical
competence and general
professionalism of a physician.
Per Curiam A court opinion made by all
members of the court.
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