Partisans prep for assisted-suicide ruling

[Judi Lynn]

Saturday, January 14, 2006 · Last updated 1:04 a.m. PT

Partisans prep for assisted-suicide ruling

By MATTHEW DALY
ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER

WASHINGTON -- As Samuel Alito heads toward likely Senate confirmation as a Supreme Court justice, supporters and opponents of Oregon's landmark assisted-suicide law look for clues for how he might affect the high court's decision on whether the law will stand.

Advocates for the assisted-suicide law were hopeful that a ruling would be announced in the next two weeks - before Alito could join the nine-member court if confirmed. Under that scenario, retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor could provide the decisive vote to uphold the law allowing dying patients to obtain lethal doses of medication from their doctors.

However, a prominent opponent of the law called it more likely that O'Connor would be gone before the court handed down a decision. Then, if the case ended up in a 4-4 tie, new arguments would be heard with Alito on the court.

Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee had hoped for a Jan. 17 committee vote on Alito, but Democrats can delay that for a week. The full Senate would vote after that.
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http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/1110AP_Assisted_Suicide.html

[Turbineguy]

1. This is like the Gay Marriage issue

Partisans make a big deal of it, it actually effects very few people.

The furor galvanizes people and the country is delivered on a plate to the Republicans.

(putting on my asbestos suit now)

[MidwestTransplant]

2. I am not sure where the "strict constructionists" would find that

the law is invalid as per the Constitution. I just hope they wouldn't legislate from the bench....YEAH RIGHT.

[Charlie Brown]

3. The "Death with Dignity Law" was approved by Oregon voters twice

If conservatives are serious about standing for "states rights," then they should not overturn this law.