Introduction to Congress and the International Centre of Medicine and Law

Developments in the practice of medicine and the practice of law have led to an interrelationship between the two. The distinctions between law, ethics and morality are highlighted as characteristic of the people to whom they apply and are further subject to influences consequent on colonisation, political dogma and economics. This is the context in which the International Centre of Medicine and Law has been established in Southern Africa. The Centre's environment is such that it is influenced by both the Old World and the Third World. The value system of the indigenous African people who in Southern Africa make up 90% of the population while respecting human rights, is one of group orientation.