Introduction. In modern realities, the state and society place high demands on the professional training of future doctors. Legal competence is one of the main requirements for students of medical institutions, as well as for beginners, practitioners, and graduates of medical universities. The study, understanding and compliance with the norms of current legislation in medicine not only ensures respect for the rights and interests of patients, but also helps students make informed decisions in medical practice, is a guarantee of the effective functioning of the health care system and the protection of the professional activities of doctors. Goal. To assess the level of awareness of students of the 6th year of the medical and pediatric faculties, residents of the 1st and 2nd years of study at a medical university in matters of legal literacy in medical activities. Materials and methods. An anonymous survey was conducted to study the subjectively assessed importance of key issues of medical and legal literacy among students and residents at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology of the Kursk State Medical University. A total of 243 respondents took part in a voluntary anonymous survey conducted in September - December 2023: 150 6th-year students of the medical and pediatric faculties and 93 residents of the 1st and 2nd years of study. The questionnaire included multidirectional questions within the framework of knowledge of laws in the medical field, which are reflected in the Constitution of the Russian Federation, the Federal Law "On the Basics of protecting the Health of Citizens in the Russian Federation", as well as in separate articles of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation and the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation. The questionnaire was posted in a Google form that allows each participant to take a survey using electronic devices. Statistical data processing was performed using the methods of parametric and nonparametric statistics. Results and discussion. A survey among students and residents showed that awareness of the basic principles of health protection, as well as rights and responsibilities in the medical field, is very high. There was no significant difference in the results obtained between students and residents on most issues. Conclusions. In general, students and residents are oriented in many legal and practical issues related to medical activities. They are able to analyze the results of their own activities to prevent medical errors, while being aware of disciplinary, administrative, civil and criminal liability. It is advisable to continue studying the issues of medical and legal literacy in the last year of study at a medical university, in connection with the regularly updated regulatory legal framework, which will allow graduates to begin professional activities in practical medicine with a baggage of medical and legal competencies that meets the requirements of today. Improving the legal awareness of future doctors will minimize the risks of violations of citizens' rights and improve the quality of medical care.