R (Nicklinson) v Ministry of Justice [2014]

1. Facts:

• Nicklinson suffered a severe stroke, leaving him completely paralysed.

• He sought a legal declaration that it would be lawful for someone to assist him in ending his life.

• Argued that this was part of his right to a private life under Article 8 of the ECHR.

2. Outcome:

• The Supreme Court refused the declaration.

• Confirmed that assisting in suicide would amount to murder or manslaughter.

3. Impact and Analysis:

• Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: The ruling maintained the strict prohibition on assisted suicide in English law.

• Article 8 ECHR: Highlighted the tension between the right to a private life and the legal framework governing assisted suicide.

• Legal and Ethical Debate: The case underscores ongoing debates about autonomy, dignity, and the role of law in end-of-life decisions.

• Judicial Restraint: Demonstrated the judiciary's reluctance to alter established legal principles on assisted suicide, deferring such changes to legislative action.