Question

How does murder differ from euthanasia? Do the courts treat the two differently?

Answer 1

Although both murder and euthanasia result in the death of a person, these are very different concepts.

Euthanasia is a practice in which a person's life is purposely ended with the intention of relieving pain and suffering. Euthanasia, therefore, is usually administered to people in terrible conditions, insufferable pain or who suffer terminal diseases. This is a difference with murder, which can take place regardless of the conditions of the person.

Another important difference is that for a death to be considered euthanasia, the person has to consent for his life to be ended. This can also be called assistive sui.cide.

In terms of the law, courts treat these two situations very differently. Virtually all nations that have a code of law condemn murder and punish those who engage in such a practice. Most countries also consider euthanasia to be illegal. However, a number of countries have passed laws to make euthanasia legal under certain circumstances.