At medical school we were indoctrinated to a relatively minor degree in matters medicolegal. We were taught to believe that the law is precise for sound reasons and, despite the popular adage, rarely behaves as an ass. We were given hints that the legal situation could be complex and subject to attack by clever and manipulative lawyers, but if we kept to simple rules all would be well. Loss of innocence or disillusionment may well follow, as shown by this event.