When complaints relating to the exercise of clinical judgment by hospital medical staff are made, there is a structured investigation designed to resolve the concerns of the complainant. The doctors concerned provide detailed reports for hospital managers to use as the basis of their formal response to the complainant. The doctors may be assisted by their "defense organizations." If the complainant remains dissatisfied, the matter may progress to independent professional review by two assessors from outside the region, who will visit the hospital and discuss the case with all involved. Complaints against general practitioners are handled by family health services authorities. Under such procedures, there is a need for doctors to have proper professional support and representation. Should a controversy become a matter of public interest and anxiety, a formal public inquiry may be held. Also, doctors who have been involved in the clinical care of potentially abused children may well have to attend court as witnesses to fact or as experts. Personal legal representation may assist such doctors in developing their evidence, so as to address issues that may be raised in cross-examination. This article also reviews matters pertinent to possible civil litigation against a doctor, as well as disciplinary action and charges of defamation by alleged perpetrators in a child abuse case. 12 references