NCJ Number
10513
Journal
Medicine, Science, and the Law Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (APRIL 1973) Pages: 110-119
Date Published
1973
Length
10 pages
Annotation
BRITISH LEGAL PROVISIONS WHICH GOVERN CRIMINAL LIABILITY FOR COMPLICITY IN THE SUICIDE OF ANOTHER PERSON, AND DATA ON THEIR APPLICATION DURING 1961-1970.
Abstract
IN GREAT BRITAIN, A PERSON WHO AIDS, ABETS, COUNSELS, OR PROCURES THE SUICIDE OF ANOTHER MAY BE PROSECUTED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE SUICIDE ACT. DATA ON ACTUAL PROSECUTIONS REVEALS THAT BOTH PROSECUTORS AND THE COURTS ARE LENIENT, USING THEIR POWERS TO PROVIDE PSYCHIATRIC TREATMENT RATHER THAN PUNISHMENT. DESPITE THIS FACT, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT THERE ARE OTHER MEANS OF PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO PERSONS WHO ATTEMPT TO COMMIT SUICIDE OR TO ASSIST OTHERS IN DOING SO. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT CRIMINAL PROSECUTIONS OF SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE PACTS BE ENDED.