The jurisprudential nature of fraud in biomedical publishing.

When instances of fraud in biomedical publishing come to light there is widespread indignation, not least because the consequences seem usually only to be internal enquiries and professional displeasure. A number of bodies have been constituted to improve publishing ethics and but these are largely advisory. Potentially though, actions in the tort of deceit and negligence, possibly misfeasance in a public office, and loss of chance could be brought against those responsible.