Coming to Terms with Death: The Cruzan Case

Hastings Law Journal, Vol. 42, 1991

43 Pages Posted: 10 Jul 2008 Last revised: 17 Jul 2008

See all articles by Henry J. Bourguignon

Henry J. Bourguignon

University of Toledo College of Law

Susan R. Martyn

University of Toledo - College of Law

Date Written: 1991

Abstract

The Supreme Court's decision in Cruzan incorrectly allowed the state of Missouri to intervene in Nancy Cruzan's family's surrogate decision to end life supports. The Court should have held that family members, when they remain close and caring, should be presumed to be the designated decision makers.

Keywords: Cruzan, State Interests, Competent Patients, Incompetent Patients, Surrogate Decision Makers, Quality of Life, Slippery Slope, Harlan, Family Relationships, Federalism

Suggested Citation

Bourguignon, Henry J. and Martyn, Susan R., Coming to Terms with Death: The Cruzan Case (1991). Hastings Law Journal, Vol. 42, 1991, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1157974

Henry J. Bourguignon

University of Toledo College of Law ( email )

2801 W. Bancroft Street
Toledo, OH 43606
United States

Susan R. Martyn (Contact Author)

University of Toledo - College of Law ( email )

2801 W. Bancroft Street
Toledo, OH 43606
United States
419 530-4212 (Phone)
419 530-2821 (Fax)

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