Based on the Supreme Court's holding in Gonzales v. Oregon, may Sam from our opening paragraph rest easy that Doctor John can assist him when the time is ready for Sam to end his life?
Or do you see other arguments or legal strategies that the federal government could implement and try to stop Oregon citizens from enjoying the benefit of their own laws? Could Congress enact a federal law banning all physician-assisted suicide nationwide? Should the personal beliefs of an executive branch agency head dictate national policy over the states?
What will be an ideal response?
ANSWER: Answers may vary: Yes, the high Court's decision paved the way for Oregon to continue its practice of physician-assisted suicide unfettered by federal restrictions. Any additional legal challenge on state laws such as Oregon would have to come from enacting a federal law outlawing the practice which, because of the Supremacy Clause, would have to be followed by all states. Personal beliefs such as former U.S. Attorney John Ashcroft's position against state sanctioned suicide should not dictate federal policy.
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