The author presents an overview of legal issues related to youth suicide. He feels that people in the legal process should be more aware of suicide risk & be able to identify this behavior in children. He cites several criminal & civil laws that address suicide. 22 states in the U.S. have criminal penalties for aiding & abetting suicide, or for entering into suicide pacts. 11 have laws which state that the use of force to prevent a suicide is a defense to an assault & battery charge. (NBB)