Should Suicide Be Legal?

[rmak]

I'm guessing most heard about that guy in Ottawa who was publicizing his planned suicide. He ended up killing himself two nights ago. Nobody could do anything because its perfectly legal. Although assisted suicide is not legal. I really dont what should or should not be legal in this case.

[Crusader]

I'm all for legalizing both. It's their life and they can waste it if they want to.

[HoboFactory]

Back in 18th century England, attempting suicide was punishable by hanging.

[Crusader]

That should show em.

[calgarydave]

I voted both should be legal.

But its a tough call. I completly support it for the person who is terminally ill, with a slow painfull death ahead of them.

But what about the depressed teenager?

[Crusader]

Depressed teenagers need to deal with it or go see the guidance counsellor.

 

KIDS HELP PHONELINE.

[uglybutterfly]

Both should be legal.

Besides, if you kill yourself it's not like you can get thrown in jail for it.

[rmak]

attempted suicide

[Lauren]

i don't think assisted suicide shouldn't be legal. it opens up too many doors. it's too easy for it to be abused.

i think it does suck when someone is in real physical, terminal pain and there is nothing to do about it. if there was a way for any laws made to allow euthanasia and for it to not be abused, i would be all for it, but it's too easy to call murder euthanasia.

regular suicide.. i think it sucks but at least it's consentual.

Edited February 1, 2005 by Lauren

[wonks]

in Canada suicide is legal. that being said, I think assisted suicide should be an option, but there would be miles and miles of paperwork involved.

 

edit: sorry rmak, I see you've already said the whole "suicide is legal" bit.

Edited February 1, 2005 by wonks

[wentwj68]

I'm torn on this. I defently think suicide should be legal (as it being illegal makes no sense, how are you to punish the dead?). And I think in a perfect world assisted suicide should also be legal, but it'd be too hard to make sure that assisted suicide doesn't turn into someone murdering, and making it look like an assisted suicide. I'm voting for both, but under the condition that assisted suicide only allowed in a situation where the other person is physically unable to kill themselves (ie a paralized person, or some other extreme situation).

[{Rebelle}]

I think someone should have the right to decide on when it is best for them to die. When someone is sick for example, they can't even use the bathroom on their own or so. They feel everyday their dignity going away. They feel ashamed. Why should they have to live through that when they know their days are counted anyways. I believe they should have the right to seek the right help to end their days. The process should be quite elaborate, many different experts (doctors, psychologists, etc) decide if it is really the best option. Would not be taken lightly but the choice should be there.

[Biggie]

Agree with Rebelle. It should be an option, but the process must be long with a great deal of outside evalution of the person's competence. There must be absolutely no doubt about their consent.

[guitarchick]

I don't think it being legal or not changes people’s decisions on suicide or not.

I agree that it should be allowed for those to are terminally ill but not for those who feel they need to die for other reasons.

[rmak]

suicide: definately legal right now in Canada for anyone who doesnt know.

[Dan #2]

With Assisted Suicide, there should be EXPLICIT permission given, in the pressence of Lawyers and Family members, so that it won't be exploited.

 

If they want to off themselves, so be it B)

[summerbronze]

In theory it sounds reasonable.

 

Something to consider though:

 

Mental illness affecting someone's judgement in deciding to kill themselves. In this case, most would say that the right to make a decision should be revoked upon diagnosis of mental illness. But what if someone with a mental illness genuinely, rationally decides they want to die? Should they no longer legally be allowed to choose this option? On what grounds can they legally decide (severity/type of mental illness?)?

[cavalier_eternal]

um, how would suicide not be legal? you do it yourself, of your own volition. it's almost virtually impossible to stop someone that's determined to do it...

 

as for the assist, i don't know. i'm of a split mind on this one.

[Kayriss]

A Crim student once asked me what the only crime was that if you committed it successfully, you couldn't be arrested.

 

The correct answer was suicide.

 

My answer was Evading Arrest.

 

Left to think it over, I don't know if my answer was stupid, or brilliant.

[ham_ahoy]

Somewhere in the States I heard that jumping from a building more than 3 stories is capital punishment material.

[Kharmalina]

Both should be legal.

Assisted suicide should definitely be monitored and there should be certain steps to doing it in front of various witness and so forth. But making suicide illegal seems really dumb. Would "Attempted Suicide" be a crime too? If someone wanted to die but failed to kill themselves, is punishment really the right thing to do? I think not. DEFINITELY not.

[asmodi]

Suicide is legal in Canada? Why the fuck was I arrested then?

 

Don't worry, that was 4 years ago. But still.

[supercanuk]

i don't think assisted suicide shouldn't be legal. it opens up too many doors. it's too easy for it to be abused.

i think it does suck when someone is in real physical, terminal pain and there is nothing to do about it. if there was a way for any laws made to allow euthanasia and for it to not be abused, i would be all for it, but it's too easy to call murder euthanasia.

regular suicide.. i think it sucks but at least it's consentual.

I agree with Lauren here, i think that people attempting to commit suicide need to get help. I think that assisted suicide no matter what the arrangments is with lawyers, family etc, is a very very slippery slope, people do things with lawyers and family present and this can still be taken advantage of. People in extreame pain i do feel for completely and i know that sometimes there is not enough morphine in the world to cure the hurt, but if we open this door up, misguided people, and those wanting to take advantage of this could misuse this system. To me, one innocent life dead, isnt worth it.

Edited February 23, 2005 by supercanuk

[saturnine]

they should arrest people that kill themselves. yeah, they can lock the corpse up for like 5 years and let it go when it has learned from its mistakes

Edited February 23, 2005 by saturnine

[cavalier_eternal]

so basically, if i want to kill myself, you should all be perfectly fine with that and help throw the stones.

 

works for me.