SKorean court grants coma patient right to die
Legal World
A South Korean court ordered the removal of a respirator from a comatose patient Friday, saying the "meaningless" extension of life was against the patient's right to die with dignity.
The decision marks the first court ruling of its kind in South Korea.
The 76-year-old patient, identified only by her surname, Kim, has been in a permanent, vegetative coma since suffering brain damage in February.
Her family filed a lawsuit after doctors refused to end her life. Her children claim their mother had always opposed keeping people alive on machines when there is no chance of revival.
The court accepted the argument.
"Doctors have the obligation to comply with a patient's demand for the removal of a respirator in case it is meaningless to extend life, and if it serves more for the dignity and value as a human being (for the patient) to die spontaneously," Seoul Western District Court said in the ruling.
The court said there are enough indications to assume the patient would have wanted to be removed from the respirator if she knew of her condition. Doctors at major hospitals in Seoul agree that Kim has no chance of revival and could live as long as three or four months, the ruling said.
The court cautioned, however, that the ruling does not deal with "proactive euthanasia" and does not mean that family members have the right to independently ask to end medical treatment for loved ones.
Related listings
-
Russian court to resume Politkovskaya murder trial
Legal World 11/25/2008A Moscow court says the trial of three men accused of murdering journalist Anna Politkovskaya will resume a week earlier than had been announced.Judge Yevgeny Zubov had adjourned the case Thursday for 10 days. He cited a defense lawyer's scheduling c...
-
German court OKs release of ex-leftist terrorist
Legal World 11/22/2008A former top member of the leftist Red Army Faction terrorist group can be released from prison in January after having served the minimum 26 years of a life sentence for multiple murders, a German court ruled Monday.The Red Army Faction, which emerg...
-
Int'l court prosecutor seeks Darfur rebels' arrest
Legal World 11/20/2008After accusing Sudan's president of genocide, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court sought arrest warrants Thursday for three anti-government rebel leaders accused of a deadly attack on African Union peacekeepers in northern Darfur...
Victorville CA DUI defense Attorneys
The outcome of a DUI defense will have a long-term effect on anyone’s life, making the decision to receive legal representation an easy one. The fact is, most people accused of a DUI are first offenders with no criminal background. Whether this is your first run in with the law or you have had previous convictions, you are in need of a DUI defense attorney.
The charges you are facing for a DUI range from fines, a 12-month suspension on your license and worst-case scenario, prison time. Your attorney will be able to analyze your situation to decide the best way to go about your case.
Our attorneys know the tricky ways to challenge all of the DUI tests and know how to claim improper collection of evidence. We will be able to negotiate on your behalf and free you from charges and help you keep your drivers license. The DUI process can last up to several months, we can make this process easier on you. .