Prison medicine is a unique branch of medical practice undertaken by a number of doctors who have chosen to work in penal establishments either full-time or part-time. It comprises the provision of a comprehensive medical service within certain legal constraints. The four papers in this document were given at a meeting and covered the subjects: duties of a medical officer in prisons; ethical aspects of the role of medical officers in prisons; practical constraints on the prison medical officer's work; a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the Joint Appointment Consultant post.