Finding a Compromise: A Criminal Law Defence for Regulating Medical Assistance in Dying

Abstract

The legal discourse surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide continues to evolve, with a growing demand for comprehensive regulation. However, in England and Wales, assistance in dying remains prohibited. This article draws on criminal law theory to propose a compromising approach to cases of medical assistance in dying by creating a new criminal law defence. This defence will be available to a physician assisting a patient to die on the conditions of autonomy and beneficence. If this defence is successful, it will completely remove the physician's criminal liability.