General Cases >> Privacy >> Case 1 / Case 2 / Case 3 / Case 4

Tarasoff v Regents of the University of California 1976 - Confidentiality case

Court decision

The medical centre was found liable for failing to breach the patient's confidence and warn her of the threat. The medical centre should have exercised reasonable care to control the behaviour of a patient who may endanger other persons.

However, if a similar event were to occur in Hong Kong or the UK, it is suggested that the ruling would be different and the University would not be liable. In this case, would they have performed their duty by notifying the police? In this jurisdiction, the police would be able to act, as it would be a criminal offence for the ex-boyfriend to be in possession of a fire-arm.

Back