TAKING A LIFE.
(To tho Editor.) Sir.—The increase in the number of suicides has given rise to a vigorous discussion in England as to the right of a person to take his own life, several prominent authorities, according to tho cables, holding the view that a man’s life is his own to dispose of as he thinks fit. It is a farcical proceeding to charge a person with attempting to commit suicide. As one New Zealand magistrate has pointed out, if the offence is committed the person cannot be charged, hut for a unsuccessful attempt he is liable to be scut to prison,. The intention of the law is, of course, that the possibility of legal proceedings may act as a deterrent to would-be suicides, but the chances are that it has the effect of making a person extra careful to see that he makes the attempt a successful one. The law’s right to charge a person with attempted suicide is a doubtful one, and if a man would sooner dio than live, that is surely his own business.—l am. etc.. DUBIOUS. Hastings. March 13, 1923
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Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIV, Issue 81, 13 March 1924, Page 3
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186TAKING A LIFE. Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XIV, Issue 81, 13 March 1924, Page 3
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