Discussion If you could create one law...

[TAW122]

Given that I'm very much for the separation of church and state, strong belief in that the right to life should entail the right to die as well, and that people who do onto others should receive punishment for their actions (somewhat vindictive). Here is my (imaginary law) that should be on the books:

My law would be a law that abolishes involuntary commitment (except in the rare cases of real insanity and those that will harm others) for people who only want to harm themselves, but not others. It shall be unlawful and illegal for any authority figure (such as but not limited to healthcare professionals, mental health professionals, law enforcement, judges, district attorney, ) or citizen to forcibly detain any individual who is a danger to him/herself, but not others. Anyone who violates this statute will be guilty of class B felony at the federal level and may also be subjected to civil penalties.

By having a law like this, it would protect people who want to suicide but not those who are going to harm others. It is more of a pro-choice approach and the intention is that if someone wants to die, then the police or healthcare professional will have no legal authority nor legal duty to stop them. In fact, stopping them, thus violating the person's free will, free choice will be illegal and the person/party will be subject to legal action and other consequences.

For example, if someone was found attempting to hang themselves, or mid-attempt hanging, then legally (according to this law) speaking, doctors, medical professionals, EMT's, firefighters, law enforcement, and others are NOT allowed to interfere, save, or detain said person. Sure no one can assist in suicide, but they also cannot prevent it, basically leaving the person to complete their attempt. The only way a person could be saved is if they consent to being saved. (Yes while this does open up potentially harmful backdoors and could be abused, with some checks and careful procedures, abuse could be greatly reduced).

Now of course, this is just something that I have thought about briefly, so of course, there are likely to be loopholes, flaws, and what not. However, with enough fine-tuning, vetting, checks as well as safeguards put in place, and refining the wording and scope of the law, it can be a good start towards legal right to die.

So, if you could create one law, what kind of law do you have in mind? Post below and elaborate on it.

 

[ReadyasEver]

The choice to live and the choice to die get equal and fair representation under law. Basically, if someone legally declares their intent to die, as you said, it is illegal to interfere with their intent. The paperwork to complete this task should be simple and straightforward. Presented to the local law enforcement agencies via proper ID and on electronic and paper file. Law enforcement and first responders then may not interfere with the attempt.

 

[TAW122]

Good idea, and to add more transparency as well and anti-corruption protection, have multiple agencies cross check and also keep secondary and even tertiary records of said paperwork. If LE or FR (first responders) violate it, then they will be held civilly and criminally liable.

Also, as for common citizens and what not, if they knowingly and willfully interfere to 'save' said person, they too, can be held civilly and criminally liable. Through lawsuits, ligitation, fines, jail/prison time, and/or even be charged for other crimes (malicious battery, aggravated assault, kidnapping, etc.)

 

[Kyrok]

Bills become law by Congress, without presidential signature.

 

[ReadyasEver]

Bills become law by Congress, without presidential signature.

I think something like this would have to have a federal statue, and then each state would have to adopt and pass their own laws. Unless you could somehow tie this into an interpretation of the Bill of Rights concerning the right to pursue liberty. Then we have to get the Supreme Court involved, I have a headache now lol.

 

[Kyrok]

I think something like this would have to have a federal statue, and then each state would have to adopt and pass their own laws. Unless you could somehow tie this into an interpretation of the Bill of Rights concerning the right to pursue liberty. Then we have to get the Supreme Court involved, I have a headache now lol.

Article I of the Constitution would have to be changed.

 

[mattwitt]

I'd create the law from "Logan's Run" that the young whippersnappers on here don't know anything about because they most likely have never heard of the movie. lol

 

[21Neberg]

Free hamburgers for everyone. that'd be nice.