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Law Medical Law & Legislation

Life or Death

A Matter of Choice?

by (author) Daniel J. Baum

Publisher
Dundurn Press
Initial publish date
Aug 2015
Category
Medical Law & Legislation, Death & Dying, Health
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9781459723788
    Publish Date
    Aug 2015
    List Price
    $14.99
  • eBook

    ISBN
    9781459730595
    Publish Date
    Aug 2015
    List Price
    $7.99

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Description

A understandable overview of the laws regarding euthanasia, end-of-life treatment, and medication of those who may be unable to decide for themselves if the treatment is necessary.

Our bodies are ours to control, free from state interference — or so it appears. The Charter of Rights and Freedoms provides: “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person and the right not to be deprived thereof except in accordance with the principles of fundamental justice.”

But, how absolute is this? Do parents have the final decision in determining the medical care of their children, even if that choice may mean death? May children override the choices of their parents as to medical care? What role, if any, does the state (or the courts) have in reviewing individual medical choices, even if those choices are made by an adult but could result in death? Can physicians insist that their patients must have certain medical treatments? Do the terminally ill have the right to ask for assistance in dying?

These are among the questions upon which Canadian judges must rule. When and how they reach decisions are explored in Life or Death: A Matter of Choice?

About the author

Daniel J. Baum is the author of twenty books, most of which deal with important public policy issues. He draws on his experience as a professor of law for more than forty years. Baum is the author of the Understanding Canadian Law series and the Building Your Future series for young people. He lives in Toronto.

Daniel J. Baum's profile page