The Regional Court in The Hague acquitted a doctor over over euthanising a woman with severe dementia in a landmark case about euthanasia. The Regional Court in The Hague concluded that all requirements of the euthanasia legislation had been met.
Appeal in cassation
The case was brought into appeal in cassation in the interest of the law. That means that the appeal is intended to allow the Supreme Court to steer the development of the law on euthanasia.
Supreme Court
This is the first time the Supreme Court will be able to express its opinion on the interpretation of the Dutch Euthanasia Act, officially the Termination of Life on Request and Assisted Suicide Act, since its implementation in 2002.
Advise
The Porcurator General, who advises the Supreme Court, concludes that the District Court’s judgment in the criminal proceedings, namely that the doctor sufficiently complied with the due care requirements, was adequately substantiated. The Supreme Court will rule on Tuesday 21st of April 2020.