Ian Kennedy (legal scholar)

Ian Kennedy (born 1941) is a British legal scholar specializing in medical law and ethics. He is known for his significant contributions to the field through his academic writing, teaching, and public service.

Kennedy received his legal education at the University of Sheffield and was called to the Bar in 1965. He practiced law briefly before transitioning to academia. He held positions at various universities, including King's College London, where he was Professor of Health Law, Ethics and Policy. He has also been a visiting professor at institutions around the world.

Kennedy's academic work has focused on a range of issues within medical law and ethics, including informed consent, organ transplantation, end-of-life care, and reproductive technologies. His book, Medical Law: Text and Materials, co-authored with Andrew Grubb (later updated by other authors after Grubb's death), is a widely used textbook in the field and has gone through several editions.

Beyond his academic contributions, Kennedy has been actively involved in public policy and has served on numerous government committees and advisory bodies. He chaired the Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry into children's heart surgery, which produced a comprehensive report on the shortcomings in care at the hospital and made recommendations for improving patient safety and governance in the National Health Service (NHS). He also served as a member of the Human Genetics Commission and the Nuffield Council on Bioethics.

Kennedy's work has had a significant impact on the development of medical law and ethics in the UK and internationally. He is considered a leading figure in the field.