Monday 24 November 2008

Discussion Topic Five. Euthanasia & the Law

Last week in class we touched on the topic of Euthanasia. This is a very emotive and controversial issue and the legal arguments for and against Euthanasia highlight some important differences between various legal philosophies. For example, a Natural Law theorist would probably argue against Euthanasia while a Legal Positivist might be in favour of it.

In the U.K. Euthanasia is still technically illegal though the Courts have made a distinction between acting and refraining to act. Mick Hume, in his editorial in The Times, "Forget A New Euthanasia Law" (http://timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/coulumnist/mick_hume/article3308471.ece )
argues that there is no need to reform the law on Euthanasia in the U.K. because Common Law Judges are able to deal with the complexity of the issue on a case by case basis.

What are your views on Euthanasia?
What is the situation in Italy?
Do you think the law should be reformed? Why/Why not?


For more information on Euthanasia and the law in the U.K. and Europe go to:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/background_briefings/euthanasia/1044740.stm

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