Supreme Court of Canada
301 Wellington Street
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0J1
(Re): Case #285649
Plaintiff’s Name:
Kathy Lipton
Testimony:
“I may look healthy and active now, but I have a
terminal illness that will kill me within five years. My
death will be painful and will surely rob me of my
dignity, as I will no longer be able to provide even
the most basic care for myself. It’s not fair that I
should have to die this way when there is a solution
that will allow me to keep my dignity and escape the
pain waiting for me.
Age: 38
From:
Gander, Newfoundland
Defendant’s Name:
Anita Addison
Position:
Attorney General, Newfoundland
From:
St. John’s, Newfoundland
Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms being
challenged in the testimony:
□
Fundamental Freedoms
□ freedom of conscience and religion
□ freedom of thought, belief, opinion and
expression, including freedom of the press and
other media of communication
□ freedom of peaceful assembly
□ freedom of association
Democratic Rights
Mobility Rights
Legal Rights
Equality Rights
Official Languages of Canada
Minority Language Educational Rights
□ Enforcement
Specific evidence in the testimony to support that
being the charter challenge:
□
□
□
□
□
□
I should be able to choose when and how my life will
come to an end. When I feel that I can no longer live
with the pain and indignity of my condition, I want to
have a doctor assist me in ending my life. This is my
body and my life, and I should be allowed to do
what I feel is necessary for me.”
Testimony:
“While Ms. Lipton finds herself in an unfortunate
situation, the province of Newfoundland cannot allow
one of its doctors to help her end her life
prematurely.
The Criminal Code of Canada is clear, one person
may not help another person commit suicide. We
must follow the letter of the law and deny Ms. Lipton
her request.”
What type of right is this?
□
□
□
Collective rights
Individual rights
Both
Evidence from the testimony that supports your selection
above:
Is this a violation of the plaintiff’s Charter rights?
□
□
Yes
No
If this is a violation, is it a reasonable limit that can be
justified in a free and democratic society?
□
□
Yes
No
What evidence do you have that suggests it is or is not?
Why?
List some possible solutions to this charter case:
Which one was chosen?
Record how each judge voted:
_________________ □ Yes/□ No
The Supreme Court must
come to a decision on
which solution will be
chosen.
Why?
_________________ □ Yes/□ No
_________________ □ Yes/□ No
_________________ □ Yes/□ No
_________________ □ Yes/□ No
Press Release:
The media is asking for
your written statement on
the decision. In 100
words or less, describe
what decision the court
made, why it made it and
why you personally
agree or disagree with it.