Is there such a thing as it being illegal to commit suicide?

You’re not thinking of this because your neighbors won’t mow their lawn are you? lol

I don’t know if suicide is illegal, probably in some states, countries it seems but insurance companies won’t pay off if you off yourself.

Well, if there is, they can punish someone for attempting suicide if they fail.

It sure makes a mess for the rest of us who are left to clean up the mess you made when you committed suicide.

It should be illegal, because most people don’t commit suicide, at least the first few times. They screw it up somehow and we have to clean that up too.

By we, I mean whoever finds you as well as the police, medical services called to clean you up and take you away either to the morgue or the emergency room. Who should pay for that if not the person committing the crime?

@snowberry
Then you would have to criminalise all types of death, be it by accident, disease, or old age, because there is always a mess to clean up.

I think I have heard of it being illegal. In reference to incredibly stupid laws.

The church especially Catholic have a pretty effective deterent to this.

On a side note if failed suicide attempts were illegal that might be a tad more effective. Though it would be a waste of time and worse then the fourth floor option. I mean recedivism is a huge problem. Why would this be different.

No, an accident is…An Accident. Meaning you didn’t plan it to happen. Old age happens. You don’t plan it to happen; old age happens to you. So do heart attacks. You don’t plan them. The mess comes with the territory, and it’s expected.

Committing suicide on the other hand is premeditated. It’s one of the most self centered things a person can do.

@snowberry
You invite all of these by neglect and recklessness. Death of another by such is a crime.
You have an accident because you were recklessly unobservant of your surroundings, or because you were intentionally drunk or under the influence of other drugs, you get sick because you neglected to take proper precautions, or you intentionally took measures to become sick, for example being an alcoholic, smoker and abuser of other drugs.
And you die of old age, because you intentionally did not do enough to become immortal.

@ragingloli No, I don’t think so. Accidents sometimes just happen. But if you’re really into blaming, go ahead.

LOL “And you die of old age, because you intentionally did not do enough to become immortal.” Good one!

In some Muslim countries, I believe you can get jail time for suicide, if you fail. Or one of your parents is punished in your stead, for not having raised you properly. I’m not confirming this, but I did hear it from someone who is Muslim.

Here in Canada, if you fail your suicide, I’m not sure if it’s considered breaking the law, but you can get forcibly committed for rehabilitation, therapy and the like.

@snowberry I am in your corner on this one.

Accidents do happen but we don’t as of yet have a suicide location where everything is designed for those whom wish to end their life and until that time, sweeping rivers and lakes for bodies. Police workers who have to investigate unattended deaths, ambulances, the hazmat cleaners etc. If they fail there is rehab and treatment centers, surgeries and medical procedures.

Not to mention the pain and scars of those left behind.

Maybe we should consider suicide booths. I am only half joking.

It is illegal here, it gives EMS a cover if nothing else. If it was legal and EMS prevented a suicide by providing aid to an unconcious person, they could technically be guilty of violating that person’s civil rights by rendering aid. And since you can’t tell a suicide from an accident or medical condition if the person is unconcious it can cause a real mess.

Among the many things denied to the prisoners at Guantanamo is the right to starve themselves to death

Suicide is illegal in my country. If you enter into a suicide pact and survive, you are in serious danger of being charged with murder.

As someone that has has been greatly affected by a suicide, I would like to present some facts. Insurance will pay if the deceased person has had the policy long enough. In our case it was two years. Most churches (this includes Catholic) no longer entertain the concept that the person who does by suicide go to hell. The thought process is more the deceased person was ill,causing the act. The clean up is deducted from their estate so it is paid for. This was my family members first attempt,and he was successful. Living through this event has taken me to the brink of suicide as well. I can tell you when one is contemplating this act they are in so much pain the only thing they want is for the pain to end. One’s thinking becomes extremely distorted. I thank God for a therapist that got me through this hell. I was not thinking about myself, the focus was on others would be better off without me. Depression is the cause of most suicides.
Not a pretty story, is it?

The dead don’t pay taxes, of course suicide is illegal.

I believe that New York State has a law on the books punishing suicide with execution. And I’ve heard that if you kill yourself via light rail in Japan on a Tuesday the government will fine your family for holding up traffic.

Personally I think everyone has the right to choose whether to live or die. I do not understand the big deal. The only big deal is the stigma and inability to talk about it. People that commit suicide would probably prefer to be able to say ” Hey, I’ve had enough of this world and hope you understand my desire to depart from it”
I think what’s really “selfish” is wanting another to suffer so you don’t have to experience a loss.

My sense is that attempted suicide is illegal so that authorities have plenty of latitude to intervene and provide help.

@bea2345 I can see the murder part, so no “attempted suicide” charge then?

Thank all for your answers.

I’ve heard of cases in Japan asking suicidal people not to jump on rail tracks during rush hour. They even put signs in subway and train stations.

@flo – well, if you survive the suicide attempt, the first stop is the mental hospital for a psychiatric evaluation. The charge may not follow. If it was the result of suicide pact, the murder charge would depend upon the findings of the police investigation.

Depending on the state, you can/cannot comit suicide legaly. It all deppends on were you are.