- Published: October 1, 2022
- Updated: October 1, 2022
- University / College: University of Aberdeen
- Language: English
- Downloads: 26
INTRODUCTION:
Advanced progress of human rights together with medical science conveys continuously discussible question of euthanasia. There are various opinions how euthanasia should be practised. Each of those opinions is supported by considerable arguments but right now it’s hard to say if there are more followers or opponents and to choose which way is the right one.
Each country possesses distinct legal approach to euthanasia which is revealed on its own laws. This article will analyse the decision of R (Purdy) v DPP and examine DPP guidelines and its implications on euthanasia in England. In order to simplify we need to focus on the tropical and controversial notions of euthanasia law in England and its development by analysing the decision of R (Purdy) v DPP and DPP guidelines on euthanasia.
EUTHANASIA IN UK:
Euthanasia or assisted suicide is the act of intentionally intervening to consciously end the life of an individual with the aim of relieving that individual’s pain and suffering. While euthanasia is not permitted in the England, there is nothing to stop an individual refusing to accept medical treatment; essentially individuals are entitled to consent to being allowed to die peacefully without further treatment but not to consent to being killed.
The offence of euthanasia is a statutory offence, generated by the Suicide Act (1961) s. 2 and substantively revised by the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. The s. 2(1) offence theoretically covers a very extensive series of conduct of variable stages of culpability and is now concerned with acts capable of assisting or encouraging the suicide or attempted suicide of another person but the DPP’s permission is necessary for a prosecution to be instituted, and the DPP has published his written Policy in respect of charging individuals with the s. 2(1) offence. Prosecutorial decision-making has therefore presumed a dominant part in relation to this offence, as it may lead to a decision being taken not to prosecute, even though in strict terms the elements of the s. 2 (1) offence are made out.