X-Message-Number: 6288 Date: Thu, 30 May 1996 07:01:59 -0700 From: David Brandt-Erichsen <> Subject: 9th Circuit ruling on hold Another stay has been issued on the 9th Circuit ruling which had legalized physician-assisted suicide in nine western states. The 9th Circuit ruling, which legalized physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill competent adults, was originally issued on March 6. This ruling remained in effect for only two months. On May 6, the 9th Circuit issued a stay on its own ruling pending an appeal to the entire 24-judge panel of the 9th Circuit. Yesterday, the 9th Circuit refused to re-hear the case, and this automatically lifted the stay. However, within hours of that decision, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor (who oversees the 9th Circuit) issued a new stay against the ruling. The new stay remains in effect until July 4, which is the new deadline for the Washington State Attorney General to file an appeal to the Supreme Court. Another stay could be issued at that time. It is likely to be known by the end of July if the Supreme Court will consider the appeal. A 30-day stay on the 2nd Circuit ruling expired on May 18 (the ruling had only been in effect for 16 days before being stayed). I have received conflicting information on whether or not a new stay is currently in effect in the 2nd Circuit (which covers New York, Vermont, and Connecticutt). I will post a clarification as soon as I am able. <David Brandt-Erichsen> Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=6288