The Right to Die Foundation supports the right of people to die if they choose. Most of its energy is devoted to problems of terminally ill patients. State laws typically make suicide criminal, punishing an act that attempts or assists suicide.

The Foundation brings suit in federal court claiming that a state rule of law against assisting suicide (at least in cases of informed consent) violates the right to privacy of the person choosing suicide. The statute is alleged to violate the 14th Amendment.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include the Foundation, which alleges that it has among its members terminally ill patients who wish to commit suicide. A doctor also is a plaintiff, and she alleges that, but for the rule, she would assist terminally ill patients (acting on informed consent) in committing suicide.

 

1. What is the legal issue in the case? What claim is made?
2. Does the court have jurisdiction under Article III to hear this case?
3. How do you resolve the case?