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Simple English definitions for legal terms
assisted suicide
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A quick definition of assisted suicide:
Assisted suicide is when a doctor gives medicine to a very sick person so they can end their own life. This is only allowed in some states and only if the person is very sick and wants to die. It is not allowed if the person does not want to die or cannot make the decision for themselves. Some people think it is okay, but others think it is wrong and should be against the law.
A more thorough explanation:
Assisted suicide, also known as physician-assisted suicide (PAS), is a method where a doctor provides medical supplies and prescription medications to a terminally ill person to end their life. This can be done through sleeping pills or other drugs that allow the person to die peacefully.
For example, in the case of People v Kevorkian, Dr. Kevorkian helped dozens of terminally ill patients end their lives by setting up a machine that allowed them to press a button to deliver poison to their veins. However, this action was highly controversial and criticized by the public.
Assisted suicide is illegal in many states, including New York, where it is prohibited under NYS Penal Law S125.15(3). The Supreme Court decision in Washington v Gluckberg also held that assisted suicide is not a fundamental right and is not protected under the due process clause.
However, some states, like Oregon, have recognized the right to physician-assisted suicide through death with dignity statutes. These laws allow terminally ill individuals to end their lives if they choose to do so.
It is important to note that assisted suicide is never legal if it is involuntary or if the patient is unable to consent to life-ending measures.