Overview

Whether competent, terminally ill patients have a right to die with the assistance of their physicians or whether state and national governments have legitimate interests in forbidding the exercise of this right are the central questions around which this book revolves. In either case, essential constitutional issues as well as ethical and medical reflections enter the debate. This book, blending original sources and expert commentary, prepares its readers to enter the discussion by providing an accessible and concise introduction to the law and politics of physician-assisted suicide. Its timely appearance also sets the stage for understanding future state referenda, court decisions, legislation, and executive orders expected in 2002 and beyond. Visit our website for sample chapters!

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9780742517257

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Reviews

The constitutional issues surrounding the legalization of physician-assisted suicide are almost as complex as the clinical issues. Behuniak and Svenson's outstanding book provides a wealth of primary sources and cogent analysis of the legal paths thatculminated in two Supreme Court cases, Oregon 's Death with Dignity Act, and the recent legal challenges by Congress and theAttorney General.--Timothy Quill, M.D.

A fresh, sweeping approach to this issue. -- James M. Hoefler, Dickinsin College A good and balanced job both of covering the dimensions of the PAS controversy and of showing how the judicial process works. -- Craig R. Ducat, Northern Illinois University The constitutional issues surrounding the legalization of physician-assisted suicide are almost as complex as the clinical issues. Behuniak and Svenson's outstanding book provides a wealth of primary sources and cogent analysis of the legal paths thatculminated in two Supreme Court cases, Oregon?s Death with Dignity Act, and the recent legal challenges by Congress and the Attorney General.... -- Timothy Quill M.D., University of Rochester This clear, well-organized, smartly edited collection of primary sources really brings the legal and political issues of the physician-assisted suicide debates to life..... -- Leslie Bender, Syracuse University College of Law The fairly comprehensive presentation of cases governing this discourse makes it a valuable resource. * Law and Politics Book Review * A very useful reference and collection of materials on the vexing, timely, and on-going controversy over physician-assisted suicide. -- David M. O' Brien, University of Virginia The constitutional issues surrounding the legalization of physician-assisted suicide are almost as complex as the clinical issues. Behuniak and Svenson's outstanding book provides a wealth of primary sources and cogent analysis of the legal paths that culminated in two Supreme Court cases, Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act, and the recent legal challenges by Congress and the Attorney General. -- Timothy Quill M.D., University of Rochester This clear, well-organized, smartly edited collection of primary sources really brings the legal and political issues of the physician-assisted suicide debates to life. -- Leslie Bender, Syracuse University College of Law

Author Information

Susan M. Behuniak is professor of political science at Le Moyne College. Arthur G. Svenson is professor of government at University of Redlands.

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