Legal Topics_W1_DQ1&2

Discussion Question 1: Abortion and the Constitution

The debate over whether abortion is protected by the Constitution is an ongoing controversial issue. Refer to the perspectives of the US Supreme Court Justices Sandra Day O’Connor on abortion and William H. Rehnquist on the decision in Roe v. Wade (1973), the landmark US Supreme Court decision establishing a woman’s right to an abortion.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of legalizing abortion?

 Do examine the constitutional arguments such as whether the Constitution recognizes the existence of a human being as a person from the moment of biological conception?

Provide statistical data, sociological findings, research, or important case law to support your answers.

Discussion Question 2: Physician-Assisted Suicide

One of the controversial topics regarding the law and individuals is the question of whether restrictions on physician-assisted suicide are constitutional. Oregon became the first state to pass an assisted-suicide law. Review the 1994 Oregon law. It states that physician-assisted suicide must be “voluntary” on part of the patient.

Decide whether competent, terminally ill patients should have the constitutional right to choose physician-assisted suicide.

 Do explain your point elaborately. Additionally, discuss the concept of “voluntary” and explain it.

Provide statistical data, sociological findings, research, or important case law to support your answers.