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31/07/2009
Court verdict may change law on wills |
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The law on wills may now be subject to legal change following a legal victory by a campaigner wanting the law on assisted suicide to be clarified.
A Law Lords ruling has said that the director of public prosecutions must clarify in what circumstances the law on assisting somebody to commit suicide may or may not affect someone aiding a person to carry out such an act overseas.
Multiple Sclerosis sufferer Debbie Purdy has been bidding for the clarification as she wants to be sure that her husband Omar Puente is not at risk of prosecution if he helps her end her life by travelling to Switzerland's assisted suicide clinic Dignitas.
So far nobody has faced charges for helping Britons to travel to the country for this purpose.
Ms Purdy had brought the case against the director of public prosecutions and after losing in the High Court and Court of Appeal she was backed in the Lords.
As well as bringing clearer guidance, the ruling may also lead to new legislation.
Those wishing to consult on the legal position on this or other issues may wish to consult a lawyer with expertise in will writing.
Earlier this month composer Sir Edward Downes and his wife simultaneously ended their lives at the Dignitas clinic.
Written by Anna Norton
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