Distinction between Law and Morals

Question 1

Morals derive from religious beliefs

Answer 1

Morals influenced by religious texts eg Qur’an and Bible
Durkheim- society’s morals have changed because our society is less influenced by religion in society and there is an increase in ethnic diversity

Question 2

Assisted Dying AO1

Answer 2

Assisted Dying Bill went through Parliament in 2021 but it became prorogued as it did not have enough MPs backing it to get tot the committee stage
Several states in the USA have legalised assisted dying

Question 3

Campaign for dignity in dying

Answer 3

Campaign for Dignity in Dying- a British person travels to Dignitas for help to die every 8 days
They campaign for those with 6 months or less to live to have the ability to control their death
33 British people travelled to Swiss clinic Dignitas for assisted suicide in 2012
44% increase in 2021
BMA members voted to adopt a neutral stance on assisted dying
49% in favour
48% opposed
3% abstaining

Question 4

Case for assisted dying

Answer 4

Pretty
Court suggested Article 2 cannot be interpreted as conferring a right to die or create a right to self determination in the sense of conferring on an individual the right to choose death over life.

Question 5

Assisted dying A03 (for)

Answer 5

It is immoral to expect someone who is terminally ill to live their life
People have the choice to live and should have the choice to die
Legalising euthanasia allows individuals to die with dignity with family rather than travel abroad
Votes on 2021 bill shows majority are in favour of euthanasia being legalised

Question 6

Assisted dying A03 (against)

Answer 6

May be used as a ‘smokescreen’ to get away with murder
Law should remain as it is so vulnerable adults are protected
Eg those who cannot give consent
Murder is illegal, so assisted suicide should be too to avoid confusion
Unethical to allow