ASSISTED SUICIDE AS SELF DEFENCE

David Shaw*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

In this paper I argue that one can logically commit suicide in self-defence, and that it is legitimate both to seek and to provide assistance in doing so. I provide both ethical and legal arguments for this position, using several thought experiments and the specific context of the assisted suicide cases in the United Kingdom and the European Court of Human Rights. Ultimately, I conclude that these arguments provide a sound basis for a future legal challenge regarding assisted suicide in the United Kingdom.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)73-86
Number of pages14
JournalMedicine and Law
Volume36
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2017

Keywords

  • Assisted Dying
  • Assisted Suicide
  • Euthanasia
  • Self-Defence
  • ECHR
  • Suicide

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