[Biomedical research: to know the judicial and legal aspects].

In France, therapeutic trials are governed by the so-called Huriet Law of December 20, 1988 concerning the "protection of subjects participating in biomedical research". Urologists must be familiar with this Law to preserve their responsibility. We must make sure that the Sponsor fulfils his obligations and that the information which we give to our patients guarantees the validity of their consent. The authors recall the legal penalties associated with failure to comply with this law.