Year: 1985 Source: Criminal Justice Ethics, v.4, (1985), p.73-75 SIEC No: 20021398

The author argues that it is not life but the right to life that a just system of law ought to protect. Thus, it is argued, if one chooses to exercise this right by committing suicide (that violates no one else’s rights), one has the right to do so. It is subsequently argued that to secure assistance for committing suicide, it must be carried out with great care, so the onus of proof that the assistance has been solicited is on those who undertake the assistance. It is concluded that aiding suicides is okay, but only when thoroughly circumscribed by legal care.