The Empirical Slippery Slope from Voluntary to Non-Voluntary Euthanasia

This article examines the evidence for the empirical argument that there is a slippery slope between the legalization of voluntary and non-voluntary euthanasia. The main source of evidence in relation to this argument comes from the Netherlands. The argument is only effective against legalization if it is legalization which causes the slippery slope. Moreover, it is only effective if it is used comparatively-to show that the slope is more slippery in jurisdictions which have legalized voluntary euthanasia than it is in jurisdictions which have not done so. Both of these elements are examined comparatively.     

The Case Against Constitutional Reform

Proposals for constitutional reform in the United Kingdom are examined critically. Ideas of 'governance' as posited by various accounts in the literature of politics are compared with the simpler idea of 'government' that is predicated within the reform programme. It is argued that changes in the site of public power, as well as in the reality of its exercise through a range of bodies beyond the traditional state, now provide a much more complex situation than the reform programme acknowledges. The paper calls for the development of a new technology of constitutional control to capture fugitive power. The paper concludes with a brief examination of some newer theories of radical or participatory democracy and their potential to assist in a wider project of constitutional renewal.     

The Dutch Euthanasia Act and related issues

In 2002 the Dutch Euthanasia Act came into force. This Act is the result of a lengthy developmental process. It codifies the requirements that have evolved in case law and medical ethics since 1973. Empirical data indicate that the Dutch euthanasia practice is stabilising. Euthanasia and assisted suicide occur in 2.7% of all deaths. Now that the Act has been passed, the focus is on improving the quality of medical decision-making. From an international perspective, the Dutch legislation is exceptional. However, it appears that other countries and international organisations are considering euthanasia legislation as well. It remains to be seen how influential the Dutch model will prove to be.     

安乐死的现实呼唤与立法思考

随着社会文明的进步和发展,人类的死亡观越来越成熟。于是,安乐死这一观念也逐渐为人们所得知、理解与支持。面对我国安乐死呼声的日渐高涨,面对安乐死在实施中的混乱和滥用以及法律执行举步维艰的现实,本文呼吁应尽早立法,加快安乐死合法化进程,用法律来规范我国的安乐死实践,以加大对生命的保护力度。