This is a re-examination of research ethics across a broad range of disciplines. It combines case studies and commentaries by a multidisciplinary group of scholars and researchers to explore such issues as informed consent, conflict of interest, confidentiality, and research on illegal behaviour. All human subjects research takes place within complex social, cultural and political contexts, the contributors argue. Increased consideration of the relationships between researchers and their subjects, funders and institutions within these contexts should facilitate research that is sensitive and responsible as well as scientifically fruitful. The book contains a keynote essay by Ruth Macklin. Other contributors include Jorge Balan, B. Susan Bauer, J. Pat Browder, Renee C. Fox, Loretta M. Kopelman, Barry M. Popkin, Ronald P. Strauss and Weith A. Wayloo.