Medical jurisprudence is concerned with a broad range of medical, legal, and ethical issues, as well as human rights and rights of individuals. Physicians have a duty to act in their patients best interest and can be charged in a court of law if they fail to do so. On the other hand, a physician may be required to act in the interest of third parties if his patient is a danger to others. Failure to do so may lead to legal action against the physician. States have been known to ask physicians engage in torture of individuals or examine and identify individuals who can endure torture. In such circumstances, physicians must choose whether to disobey the authorities even at the risk of harm to themselves. Physicians assess injured individuals and the degree of impairment they cause. This allows courts to determine and award damages. They may also be required to assess the mental status of accused persons and whether they are fit to stand trial. They may also determine whether an individual is of sound mind and capable of getting into a binding contract with another party.