The first part of this article introduces & reviews American legislation & judical rulings regarding assisted suicide & euthanasia. The second part provides a detailed examination of judicial rulings from the states of Washington & New York & the Supreme Court. The third through seventh sections offer arguments from the perspectives of history, fairness, autonomy, utility, & respecting life as a sacrosanct good. In the conclusion, the author states that court decisions have raised a number of questions for future courts & lawmakers; five of these are briefly reviewed. (463 notes)