CMA's Center for Legal Affairs defends the rights of physicians in the courts and works closely with other CMA advocacy centers to influence health policy created by the Legislature, regulatory agencies and the private sector.
CMA's legal advocacy in the courts takes one of two forms: filling amicus curiae briefs or directly through litigation.
CMA regularly files amicus curiae (AC) or "friend of the court" briefs in cases brought by others that raise issues of importance to physicians generally. These AC briefs are typically filed only when a case is pending before the Court of Appeal or Supreme Court, because the decisions of these courts may result in "binding precedent," with the same force as statutes that are passed by the Legislature. For more information on requesting CMA's support of your case, see ON-CALL document #1701, “Asking for CMA Legal Assistance.” To view summaries of cases in which CMA has been involved as an amicus party, see Legal Affairs in the Courts: CMA Amicus Curiae Cases.
Less frequently, and only when other avenues of relief appear futile, CMA files lawsuits to enforce or clarify existing law and to fulfill CMA's mission to promote the science and art of medicine, protect public health and better the medical profession. To view summaries of cases in which CMA is or was named a plaintiff, see Legal Affairs in the Courts: CMA Litigation.
CMA’s Center for Legal Affairs also publishes the Legal Case List once a month. The Case List provides a summary and the current status of litigation in which CMA is a party or has filed a brief as amicus curiae. To view the current issue, click here.