Euthanasia in international and comparative perspective

From 16-22 July, 2006, the International Academy of Comparative Law held its XVIIth Congress in Utrecht, The Netherlands. Among the many interesting sessions, one was dedicated to the topic of euthanasia. Euthanasia probably is natural issues to study in a comparative way. Unlike some of the other 'classical' crimes - such as murder, theft and arson - it is a centrepiece of controversy in quite a few countries. This is evidenced by the fact that in most countries there has been heated doctrinal debate on the admissibility of certain kinds and types of euthanasia. Futhermore, in many jurisdictions case law has provided guidance when statutory law was found to be too restrictive to suit the needs of extraordinary situations. A brief glimpse of academic writings and case law in various jurisdictions suffices to confirm that the stakes are high in this area. We are dealing with the right to life on the one hand and the right to die with dignity on the other. Maybe the individual human beings' right to self-determination should be included in the equation. It is quite a balancing act which is required from the lawmaker, from law enforcement officials and from the judiciary. Hence it is not surprising, that different jurisdictions have found different solutions to the problem at hand. No less than 14 national reports were submitted for discussion during the Congress in Utrecht. Together with the general report they are published in this volume.