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05/12/2012
Right-To-Die Case Hears 'Self Determination' Is Key
The State is entitled to discourage suicide but is not entitled to stop a disabled person doing what an able-bodied person can do, the High Court has been told.
Counsel for Wicklow woman Marie Fleming, 58, made the submission as part of a landmark case to establish a right to end her life with assistance.
Senior counsel Brian Murray said suicide was not illegal yet Ms Fleming was prevented from ending her life because of her physical incapacity to do so.
Adding that the State was trying to do this by reference to a very general concept of the common good, which was not being applied equally.
He said previous cases had established the right to privacy, autonomy, self-determination and dignity, which lie at the heart of Ms Fleming’s claim.
Those rights include the right to die with dignity, he said.
Mr Murray went on to say it was wrong for the State's interest in the lives of people on some theory of natural law to override a person's free choice.
Ms Fleming was diagnosed in 1986 with MS and is in the final stages of the condition.
She is past the point where she could take her own life unaided but wants to establish the right to end her life with assistance.
She is challenging a section of the Criminal Law Suicide Act which makes is an offence to help someone take their own life.
(H)
Counsel for Wicklow woman Marie Fleming, 58, made the submission as part of a landmark case to establish a right to end her life with assistance.
Senior counsel Brian Murray said suicide was not illegal yet Ms Fleming was prevented from ending her life because of her physical incapacity to do so.
Adding that the State was trying to do this by reference to a very general concept of the common good, which was not being applied equally.
He said previous cases had established the right to privacy, autonomy, self-determination and dignity, which lie at the heart of Ms Fleming’s claim.
Those rights include the right to die with dignity, he said.
Mr Murray went on to say it was wrong for the State's interest in the lives of people on some theory of natural law to override a person's free choice.
Ms Fleming was diagnosed in 1986 with MS and is in the final stages of the condition.
She is past the point where she could take her own life unaided but wants to establish the right to end her life with assistance.
She is challenging a section of the Criminal Law Suicide Act which makes is an offence to help someone take their own life.
(H)
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04 December 2012
Woman Launches Right-To-Die High Court Bid
A landmark High Court case has been launched, by a woman who is terminally ill, to establish a right to end her life with assistance. Marie Fleming from Wicklow was diagnosed with MS in 1986 and is in the final stages of the condition. She will give evidence this afternoon to a specially convened three-judge division of the High Court.
Woman Launches Right-To-Die High Court Bid
A landmark High Court case has been launched, by a woman who is terminally ill, to establish a right to end her life with assistance. Marie Fleming from Wicklow was diagnosed with MS in 1986 and is in the final stages of the condition. She will give evidence this afternoon to a specially convened three-judge division of the High Court.
17 January 2013
Right-To-Die Case To Appear Before Supreme Court
The 19th February has been set as the provisional date to hear the appeal of a terminally ill woman, who last week lost her challenge to the ban on assisted suicide. 59-year-old Marie Fleming, who has multiple sclerosis, launched a High Court challenge over her right to die.
Right-To-Die Case To Appear Before Supreme Court
The 19th February has been set as the provisional date to hear the appeal of a terminally ill woman, who last week lost her challenge to the ban on assisted suicide. 59-year-old Marie Fleming, who has multiple sclerosis, launched a High Court challenge over her right to die.
15 September 2009
Cowen Admits 'I Know I’ve Not Got Everything Right'
The Taoiseach has told his party that he "needs to do better" during his keynote speech at the party’s annual think-in today. A beleaguered Brian Cowen, who is facing some of the worst political catastrophes seen in Ireland since independence, said his party had been tested and he had been "tested hard". He said: "I want to be honest with you.
Cowen Admits 'I Know I’ve Not Got Everything Right'
The Taoiseach has told his party that he "needs to do better" during his keynote speech at the party’s annual think-in today. A beleaguered Brian Cowen, who is facing some of the worst political catastrophes seen in Ireland since independence, said his party had been tested and he had been "tested hard". He said: "I want to be honest with you.
01 September 2008
Man Found Lying On Footpath May Have Been Shot: Gardaí
Gardaí in Dublin are investigating the possibility of a shooting in the city, after finding an injured man lying on the ground on Sunday night. Gardai at Store Street Garda Station suspect a shooting incident to have taken place at around 10.00pm at West Road, East Wall, Dublin. Gardai on patrol in the area came upon a man lying on the footpath.
Man Found Lying On Footpath May Have Been Shot: Gardaí
Gardaí in Dublin are investigating the possibility of a shooting in the city, after finding an injured man lying on the ground on Sunday night. Gardai at Store Street Garda Station suspect a shooting incident to have taken place at around 10.00pm at West Road, East Wall, Dublin. Gardai on patrol in the area came upon a man lying on the footpath.
20 December 2013
Right-To-Die Campaigner Marie Fleming Dies Aged 59
Right-to-die campaigner Marie Fleming has died overnight, aged 59. Ms Fleming had brought a right-to-die case to the Supreme Court in April this year, arguing that he partner, Tom Curran, should be allowed to help her end her life without fear of prosecution.
Right-To-Die Campaigner Marie Fleming Dies Aged 59
Right-to-die campaigner Marie Fleming has died overnight, aged 59. Ms Fleming had brought a right-to-die case to the Supreme Court in April this year, arguing that he partner, Tom Curran, should be allowed to help her end her life without fear of prosecution.
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