Supreme Court Hears Assisted-Suicide Case

I have just left the Supreme Court of the United States.  This morning the Court heard arguments in the Oregon assisted-suicide case.  The state of Oregon is the only state in the country that allows federally controlled substances to be utilized to help individuals commit suicide.  Former Attorney General John Ashcroft issued a directive to not allow federally controlled substances to be used for this illegitimate purpose.  The arguments this morning focused on the statutory and regulatory scheme thats in place to prohibit this utilization.  We filed a brief at the Supreme Court supporting the United States efforts to not allow assisted suicide.

During todays argument, Justice Scalia asserted that medication should not be used to terminate the life of a living human being.  There is a distinct possibility with this case that there will be a reargument.  Although Justice OConnor seemed to support Oregons views rather than those of the Department of Justice, it is unlikely that she will be sitting on the bench when the opinion is issued.  If she is not seated on the Court then, her vote would be nullified, which could set up a scenario where the case vote is 4-4.  In the event of a tie, the Chief Justice can order a retrial on a case.  I have had litigation where that has happened before, and would not be surprised if that happens again.  We will keep everyone posted.  Please visit our www.aclj.org for updated information.

There is an interesting story this morning in The New York Times about Harriet Mierss conversion to Christianity, which you can read by clicking here.