Sterbehilfe und assistierter Suizid

Due to medical progress, the limits of life support, in particular the question of the legitimacy of euthanasia and suicide assistance, have moved into the focus not only of medicine and jurisprudence, but also of social debate.
This dissertation deals with the effects of the new regulation of the patient decree on the possibilities of legitimation of euthanasia and assisted suicide. Based on the patient's will, a justification is developed using § 34 StGB.
In particular, the tension between civil and criminal law is examined. In addition, the case law of the Federal Court of Justice on euthanasia and the court’s consent solution are discussed.
Finally, § 217 StGB is subjected to a critical appraisal with regard to its constitutionality and alternative possibilities of suicide prevention are presented.