o_19jas4juc1usi1j20opj1958dfa.pdf

The common law forms the basis of the legal systems of most states in the
Commonwealth, formally known as the Commonwealth of Nations, which is made
up of 53 member states united by language, history, culture, and their shared values
of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
The Commonwealth dates back to the mid-20th century with the decolonisation of
the British Empire through increased self-governance of its territories. The
Commonwealth was formally constituted by the London Declaration in 1949, which
established the member states as "free and equal". The Commonwealth covers more
than 29,958,050 km2 (11,566,870 sq mi), almost a quarter of the world land area,
and spans all continents. The Commonwealth in 2014 produced a nominal gross
domestic product (GDP) of $10.45 trillion, representing 17% of the gross world
product when measured in purchasing power parity (PPP) and 14% of the gross
world product when measured nominally.
9. Medical law in the Commonwealth.
Although there are marked similarities between the legal systems of the
Commonwealth countries, each jurisdiction has developed its own principles and
structures. The specific legal principles therefore vary from one country to the next.
However, a good deal of common ground exists. This is becoming increasingly so
as the effects of information technology make their impact felt. The Ethical
Guidelines are a collection of principles which reflect a broad international
consensus on the applicable principles governing medical law, seen through the lens
of the foundational values of the Commonwealth: the promotion of democracy and
development, commitment to democracy, good governance, human rights, gender
equality, and a more equitable sharing of the benefits of globalisation.