Should suicide attempts be criminalized?

Question

Suicide is illegal in some parts of the world (assisted suicides/euthanasias excluded). Do you think such laws are necessary and/or practical? Why or why not?

UnknownReflection · Accepted Answer

No. It's unreasonable.

First and foremost, it sabotages the concept of freedom, (as an American specially), it's no one's business what the hell i wanna do with my life. What now? I can't even decide what to do with my own life/breath? My life, my business, my thoughts, my feelings. Period.

Second of all, what does this achieve? Which parts of history do we remember where banning and criminalizing has stopped anything? Prostitution is illegal, don't we still have prostitutes? It's human nature, no one can stop it. Isn't drugs illegal? Is the society clean of drugs now? Even in communist countries like Iran, Alchoholic beverages are illegal, yet people find a way to buy/sell it underground. When people really want to do something, no one and nothing can stop them. So not only criminalizing suicide is ridiculous, but it would show people's ignorance upon the concept of mental health.

This is a really complicated subject. No one becomes suicidal for fun. Therefore, there are some many roots to the problem. Some people become depressed over time, due life experiences, incidents and pressures. The feeling of hopelessness, worthlessness, faithlessness and being meaningless. Is it really moral to treat broken people at such caliber as a criminal? Which by the way it can be created by the environment and other people, let's say that person who is qualified enough but no one hires them, and they feel alone and broken, so they end up feeling down and ignored, worthless and empty, so this person is a criminal, but not the the society nor the government? Who has created the basis of this situation. Nonsense! (This is just a random example, there are dozens of cases where the government or other members of the society treat the people like trash and ignore any help to others, but so now, when people feel down because of all these injustices, they are a criminal?). NOPE.

Then we have deeper mental illnesses that are caused from mental issues, brain disorders and hormonal disorders. Their suicidal thoughts and desires ain't under their control, and nothing except proper medication works for them. Is it fair to treat these people like a criminal?

Did you even know depression can be inherited? Some people born with a DNA codec touched by depression and mental conflicts and they deal with Maniac Depression because of it their whole lives, is it justice to treat these people as a criminal?

Suicidal people are emotionally ill, in some cases even physically ill (like brain itself or one's hormones specifically). They should be treated as ill people, patients, not "criminals".

Besides, such behaviors would only cause more stress and chaos in the person's mind, and trust me, they'll have more desire to commit suicide than to be stopped.

Period.

Lost_in_the_Woods · Accepted Answer

It's a bogus law they use to attack people who are already struggling.

Nobody has ever been arrested for killing themselves. They trick you into saying you don't want to live, so that they can arrest people they don't like.

That is really the only reason it's illegal. If it was about helping people, the last thing they would do is arrest them and ruin their already shit lives. It's disgusting, but most people just shrug and say it's not their problem. So they get away with it and they keep doing it to whoever they want to lock up and discredit.

More people are killing themselves than ever before. 1/2 of all 11-17 year olds in the United States consider suicide every other day or more. They aren't helping anyone. They are getting rid of anyone who is smart enough to see the problems and speak out for change. And like I said, most people sit back and watch the do it.

If I actually wanted to be dead, I would be. And I wouldn't call and tell a counselor first.
It's common sense. If someone knows you feel that way, it's probably because you reached out to try to get help.

Unfortunately, the best advice I can give is that you are better off resorting to crime than trying to talk to someone about it. At least if you commit a crime, you get a fair trial. And even if you get convinced, at least you don't get labeled insane. Most people would rather hire someone who robbed a gas station than someone they have been told is criminaly insane or mentally incapable.

Assisted suicide is a totally different question. I really don't know what to say about that one other than, I wouldn't do it.

My mom loves to call the cops and get them to lock me up, but she also thinks she should be allowed to help old people kill themselves. She is batshit crazy, but I kind of see her point about old people with terminal illnesses who'd rather just stop suffering.

I think we should spend less time harassing people who are already so miserable they don't want to live, and more time asking ourselves how we let things get so bad that more than half the teenagers in the country consider suicide 4 times a week.

And how anyone can support a government that responds by making things even harder on them. That is absolutely disgusting.

Dazed0N0Confused · Accepted Answer

I'm all for someone's individual right to die. The only reason it is illegal is because of religious doctrines. A person has every right to end their own life, whenever they see fit.
I've already planned my end, my brother is fully aware of my plans when I'm older to end my life on my own terms. He only asks that i call him before i do it so we can say our goodbyes. He told me he would find a way to resurrect me & kill me himself for not telling him right before i do it.
My SO also knows of my plans, not that he agrees with them, but he respects my decision & my plan.
My mother has similar plans when she's much older as well, & has made me, since i am her eldest, give oral confirmation to help her do so if & when she needs assistance in ending her own life.
Not everyone feels this way, but my family does. It probably helps that we are a family of atheists, agnostics & non religious, so there is nothing to tell us our plans are "wrong". It's not like we are taking ANOTHER person's life, we are taking OUR OWN life & that's our right.

designer1 · Accepted Answer

If they help someone do it, they should be arrested, so yes in that situation. A person attempting it should not be seen as a criminal. They should be seen as someone who needs treatment. Now, if they were to do it in a way that harms or kills others as well, then yes, they should go to prison. At least, that is my opinion. Also it is important to know that just because something isn’t illegal doesn’t mean it is an acceptable action. Suicide is emotionally hurtful to everyone around the person, devastating friendships, families, and any other loved ones. Suicide shouldn’t exist and it shouldn’t be done, but it shouldn’t be criminalized. It won’t stop people from doing it plus it may encourage the person being arrested or fined to do it again.

dhinchak · Answer

Criminalizing is a very simple way of dealing with a suicide attempt, while the problem is far complex.

First, there are various reasons a person may wish to commit suicide. They might be depressed, they might be getting harassed, they might be having PTSD, etc. I think that's something that heavily depends on diagnosis by a mental health expert. Since most legal systems dont consider mental health as a real issue, it's not dealt with in the way that it should be.

Secondly, finding the real culprit is not as easy as it would seem, given that the people responsible might not always seem complicit. Most people are driven to suicide due to the actions or words of someone close like their family members or friends. These are people who can simply get away by saying 'we just wanted what was best for him/her, didn't know he/she would take it to heart.' In most cases, there's no evidence against them because daily conversations aren't recorded and in that sense, it becomes a case of their word against the victim's. In other cases, victims are also driven to suicide by society. And how can you investigate the whole society!

Legal structures around the world need to address these complexities and create laws to judge a suicide attempt accordingly.

To answer your question, I don't think it should be criminalized, but it should definitely be investigated like a crime treating the person who attempted it as a victim. In addition to that, there should also be legal provision for proper diagnosis by a mental health expert to ensure the victim is rehabilitated by going through therapy sessions or other remedies as prescribed the expert.

ChrisMaster69 · Answer

No it should never really have been criminalised.

The UK was actually one of the last countries the repeal the law and it was as late as 1958.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-14374296

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_legislation

There is still further to go, as it is still seen as a taboo area in many countries.

For example Physician Assisted suicide, is legal in some European countries but not others, then voluntary suicide is only legal in a handful.

what of the big concerns over suicide is this big jump of online pacts.

These are the real concerns, is you have people heavily influencing others, who may be very depressed but not yet fully thinking of suicide.

It is still A huge taboo subject and is very close to me, as we have huge numbers of military veterans taking their own lives.

We as a society need to do far more in the early identification of those at elevated risks and put measures in place to support and treat their mental health better than we currently do.

ohshee · Answer

It is illegal in the USA I wish people would understand do we all go through stuff is a moment in time Eminem moment passes there will be another moment the moment you think something it goes into your subconscious where you get locked in there and you want to think about it it's in your brain if you keep putting yourself down and you keep talking yourself into doing something you start to believe it all these chemicals released through your body 10 in time the more you say it the more you believe it the more you're going to do it you need to escape that sub conscience I was around this person one day that was just super I would watch her eyes I would listen to her voice I would see the things that she would say and do and when I left I went home and the more I thought about it the deeper I thought about it and I told myself I really believed you could talk yourself into going crazy Sulfur 8 hours I did just that I mean I talked and I talked and I talk to myself and their became a moment where I didn't know what to do I freaked out because I could not come back I mean I just kept going and going and at the same time there is just a little thing inside my brain is saying don't go there don't go there get out of there now and it took me about an hour to snap out of it but that's how locked in I was what I'm trying to say is our brain is very powerful if you feel bad if you're not confident or if somebody's picking on you or just anything to reason why you want to hurt yourself you keep saying it over and over use that same energy but use it for positive if there's anybody out there thinking about doing this bullshit please send me a message, maybe maybe I will shine some light on whatever is going through you right now believe me it's not worth it like I said please get ahold of me you're in pain

invalid1 · Answer

I think the people who drove somebody to suicide should be criminalised. No one wants to leave just because they want..!
Criminalise bullying, how about that? Criminalise poverty! Criminalise all the reasons that lead to it.
I remember in Tunisia 10 years ago, a guy burned himself alive.. The suicide accident changed history... Why? Because people criminalised what drove him to this behaviour, and not him... Have they criminalised him! The whole point he made was lost. Behind every suicidal, there are secret murderers, find them, criminalise them instead... Deamn!

VanillaSalt · Answer

Yes. But not for serving time or fines. They should be forced into better situations and given a big brother or sister by law until such time the law determines them to be healthy again.

But let’s be honest for just a moment. Why did they attempt suicide? Society is horrible and cruel. I always say I’ll kill you before I kill myself because of you but I can say if I didn’t have my bombastic personality I could easily have offed myself. Try spending your whole life alone feeling unloved by everyone including your family and unable to feel love for others.

The worlds a terrible place that if I wasn’t me I wouldn’t wanna live in it. But I have hobbies and goals that keep me focused and with that even alone I can tell anyone that gets in the way of my hobbies and goals fuck off and keep going.

siseñor · Answer

the world won't always bend into the shape you want. suicide is wrong, so it shld b treated that way. sometimes life fvcks you over, but life is getting over that suffering, not trying to escape it. if suicide was just 'ok' to do without any repercussions, what wld that say about us?

honestly, the only time suicide shld be permitted is if the person in question is absolutely unable to overcome their suffering. sadly most times aren't like that & a person who has the ability to experience happiness chooses to lose it.

cth96190 · Answer

The idea is stupid.
Someone tries to kill themselves because they are in so much psychological pain that they would rather die.
By criminalising suicide, the pain of the person is increased by the legal system, if they survive the attempt.
The idea of criminalising suicide is so upside down and anti-human that the stupidity would be worthy of a Marxist.

Deathraider · Answer

No. I don’t see why we should make it a crime to do that. If you believe that everyone truly should have the right to live, that right should come with the choice of not exercising such right. Further, many would say that they shouldn’t do it and have much to live for (and such law would make sure they don’t make a dumb decision), but how could someone accurately gauge the amount of pleasure that life is bringing them? We can’t and probably never will.

I think that people should be able to choose if they want to take their life or not, but that access to help should be more easily accessible if they choose.

crazy8000 · Answer

Doesn't work to do that.

It has been in many countries there it isn't anymore.
Didn't work since it's a mental issue and they need help unless it has passed a certain point.

Just to keep someone alive is torture and a living nightmare that never ends for that person. not even pharmaceuticals can change that perception or that people around that person that want's to keep that person alive due to selfish emotional reasons because they don't want to think in the other's perspective and turn out as a mean person that some tries to justify they did do the right thing and that the person that tries to do suicide is selfish to make them feel good.

SupremeWarlord · Answer

No, victimless crime, people who would get sad over your death are not entitled to what you do to your body, including suicide.

In this sense, it would be "more wrong" to physically prevent someone from attempting suicide, because you're forcing them to act in a certain way with their body against their will. At the flip side, it can also be argued that no suicidal people actually want to die, so even if at the moment you are doing something to them that they don't want you to, they'll actually thank you later. There's a good discussion there.

But suicide itself being a crime? No.

TheorionMage · Answer

Once upon an earlier time, THEY WERE!
Ever hear the legal expression: "... posing a danger to themselves and/or others"?

In the military, though today more sympathetic, they were "destruction of government property" ... son or missy... when you enlist or are drafted you ARE an 'indentured servant' for 'x' years and CHATTEL! Your physical being BELONGS to them!

Sonorous · Answer

I don't think it's a good idea to give people with nihilistic thoughts more reasons to be hopeless. The key is to show people how good life can be/is. Not just hit them with another hardship if they fail at ending their misery. But I gather that when that rule is in place, a lot less people have failed attempts.

Alyssa11 · Answer

No I don’t think that’s necessary. Our bodies belong to us (or a Higher Power if you believe in that), and not to the state. To say it belongs to the state would upset a lot of people including myself. It would also go against one of the basic principles of a democracy, which is autonomy.

lakotabebebe · Answer

The only reason why it IS a crime is because it gives the police a right to use force into a house during a suspected suicide. It saves lives that way. If you arrest someone for being suicidal, that's impractical. You're making a problem WORSE.

I can't fucking believe how many dumbasses in the replies there are... Have these people never thought about suicide before? Because I have and it is NOT fun.

DJB72 · Answer

In England until the late 19th century the penalty for attempted suicide was death by hanging. After psychotherapy began to make an impact and people realised depression was a medical problem things improved.

It's not practical to criminalise mental health issues. You may as well make it illegal to catch a cold. Suicidality is a symptom of major depression. It needs love, patience and understanding.

Adam1978 · Answer

No it's their life to take. You should probably investigate the people who cause their life to be a hell that they want to take their life. But we can't make that a crime either if it isn't already because then we give ultimate power to victim mentality.

Qdbrown · Answer

I think if the person is over 18, and wants to self terminate, that's their business. That's just a personal freedom.

The problem about making it illegal is that you're not doing much to prevent it, if the person assumes they will not be there for the consequences, unless they screw up. Which if they do, try again in prison. If they give them enough meds in a padded room, would take off a lot of pressure and they can just rot that way.

Bee-Hatch · Answer

Why would you make illegal someone whose in pain and anguish. They should be offered help not more reasons to want to kill themself. That's about as dumb as locking up Drug addicts because they've got some drugs on them. Only some third world backwards nation would do that.

TwinTonyz · Answer

It would help a very small number of those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts. Some people attempt suicide with methods less likely of success for various reasons. Criminalizing that attempt would stave off the uncommitted and attention seekers, perhaps, but I think it would also provide an ultimatum which would see more half-hearted attempts get kicked down the lane to fully-fledged.

1EVDriver · Answer

Really depends on how you want to apply the word murder.

I have seen the law applied as attempts to kill yourself have gotten attempted murder charges brought on the person. Ultimately the courts ensure proper mental health care is put into place rather than sending the person to prison.

Anonymous · Answer

What are you going to do throw someone's corpes in a jail cell? What you will do by making suicide a crime is stop people who are feeling suicidal from seeking the help they need. But then they already kinda do that anyway with a 72 hour hold in a pych unit if you showing up at an er with suicidal ideation. Once was enough to stop me from seeking help through an er ever again. Now convince someone to ask for help if your going to prosecute them and toss them in jail. I think you would just add a lot of pain and suffering for those prople needing help.

FakeName123 · Answer

No. Except for the medical costs if the person survives.
In fact, I don't think we should stop people from it, either. It's basic darwinism. Provide those who do these attempts to the opportunity for mental health professionals, but if they do not take up on it, its their problem.

Assisted suicide is a different story. While I am generally for it, I think it leaves too much room for government abuse.

libsaretards · Answer

Yes, it should be illegal but not a jailable offense. If someone is attempting it then they obviously are not in their right mind. Most decisions in life can be taken back, but suicide cannot. In addition, a law should be made to protect the jobs of someone who attempts suicide while they get the mental help they need.

SlightlyEccentric · Answer

Depends. If you're doing it in the comfort of your own home, no. Now if you're standing somewhere where everyone can see you (eg. on the railing of a bridge,'on top of a building, etc.) and you are going out of your way to get peoples attention, yes. It's more because you are getting the police involved with your shenanigans. People who make a scene like that probably don't really wanna kill themselves, they only want attention and/or to cry out for help.

Daniela1982 · Answer

Sure, just what they need is even more reason to commit suicide by making it criminal. Attempts are often a cry for help so heaping legal problems and possible jail time is not the kind of help they need.

rcljr · Answer

No, not at all, suicide is a personal choice and generally does no physical harm to others. What’s next? You want to criminalize taking prescription meds the doctor ordered?

TurkishDİxon3419 · Answer

You won't get anywhere by making suicide a crime. Let's say you have gangrene, this disease started in your foot, but you cut the arm and as soon as it gives you something, you have to cut the gangrene area. This is something like him. Solve the root of the problem so people don't get depressed and attempt suicide.

Agape93 · Answer

Nothing says “hey let’s deter suicide!” quite like giving them hefty fines and/or jail time! No it shouldn’t be illegal. I sure as shit would have been MORE inclined if cops tried to charge me for failing.

Tamera952 · Answer

I've always thought that was lame. Like why is there a suicide hotline? Do those people really care? why do they give a shit? -- If you're calling a hotline, you're just being dramatic & not suicidal obviously.

Kaneki05 · Answer

No, it just hurts the person more. Plus not a single person, ever thinks ah i don't want to die because the government criminalize it. Therefore it stops nothing and just hurts them if actually prosecuted.

Aimée__LJ · Answer

Yeah totally let's fine and imprison depressed people. That'll teach them for being sad, miserable humans. Definitely won't make them more depressed. 😒🙄

elektratbh · Answer

criminalizing someone whos just attempted suicide is going to drive them to suicide again , they need reassurance and help and love, not to be thrown away in jail

Alejandro3000 · Answer

Most criminals hang themselves in prison so what's the point. Convicting a suicidal person is like cornering them to make sure they do it properly next time.

freyabrekker · Answer

I think that person should be supported and cared for, not getting in trouble for their mental health. If that person has gone through an attempt or thoughts like that, they have gone through enough trauma without then being told they are breaking the law

qwert1234 · Answer

Yes, let's file a case against an already depressed person on the brink of his/her will to stay alive.. /sarcasm

No, why would we do such a thing? If anything else, they should get free therapy at a minimum.

SomeGuyCalledTom · Answer

That's absurd. All that will do is push suicidal people into making extra sure they "get the job done". Basically it means "if you commit suicide we can't dl shit, but if you attempt suicide and survive, then we'll punish you for having survived"

stateman · Answer

Suicide attempts should not be criminalized they need help not the punishment

Sweepthelegjonny · Answer

There’s no point in criminalizing it. A person that’s attempting to kill themself isn’t thinking about breaking the law. They’re probably thinking how much they hate living.

Gwenhwyfar · Answer

They are almost never punished with jail time it’s a way to compel the person to get help. That being said I do have serious ethical problems with even that much.

Soteris · Answer

Probably not a good idea. If people feel bad enough to attempt to kill themselves I doubt being convicted for a crime will make them all better.

IDontBelieveIt · Answer

No way, people are at their lowest, they feel helpless and not thinking logically, they need support a listening ear, kindness and compassion.

victoria5475 · Answer

No. As with a lot of things, criminalizing things usually only makes matters worse. Just read about Prohibition or the current drug wars.

Leavesbound · Answer

Suicide attempts are evidence of insanity and in my country you can't prosecute someone declared insane. I doubt it work here (USA).

FilmGuy93 · Answer

What are they gonna do, give you the chair? I say that if someone wants to and their life, we should let them. It would be inconsiderate to make them stick around if they don't want to.

Mikeysoda · Answer

No! what good would that do? Give them more time to try again while in the cell? Or depress them more by being locked in a box?

TonyMetal___86 · Answer

No way, such person should be helped and taken care of...

Each good person in this life is responsible of other lives, which means if you saw someone who's going to do such a thing than you must save him/her

Lj0011 · Answer

No someone who is trying to commit suicide is already in a great deal of pain they should be treated with the mental health issues they have. They could be arrested ( but not charged, more so they can't attempt to take their own life) and taken into mental health care.

BeenThereLovedIt · Answer

Anyone under 18 considering suicide is harming others. If you (not you, but anyone) want to commit suicide, then detach from ALL loved ones first.

Those who convince others to suicide-pact with them are complete shits.

Somegirl408 · Answer

it should be legal, if someone is suffering you have no clue what theyr going through its completely cruel to force them to stay on earth

Fion3il · Answer

No. Instead give them proper help and care. Putting someone in prison will make them want to do it more.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

The problem with suicides is, that OTHERS will have to clean up the mess. This is reckless - so: reward it with a punishment.

Static_In_The_Attic · Answer

If the person fails at it NO, if they succeed I would say YES.

LemiaOfChampions · Answer

Basically you want to punish someone who has hit rock bottom, wouldn't putting them in jail make them try harder then the poilce force can be sued.

Sweetener_ · Answer

I don't see the point. How about helping them out instead?

haooy · Answer

Wow, so if someone gets so depressed that he/she committed sucide and after that if he/she survived you gonna put charges on them. Wow.

IAMNathanael · Answer

I'll take it it's an obvious sign they need mental help

K-I-S-S · Answer

No. Should be 6 months of therapy and assistance if still want it.

Feelicks · Answer

"Dammit man you're not allowed to kill yourself! What about my profits?" -Every business owner ever.

Anonymous · Answer

They have to have some kind of leverage to lock person up...

As, if they will let them go with a slap on a wrist, they will do it again and might even be successful.

They locking them up in mental institution and keep them there until they look safe and there will be small chance that, they will do it again. I been told, that to get out of similar institution is very hard...

Anonymous · Answer

No, I just think people who do attempt to commit suicide just want someone to talk to and really just need help. They should not be penalised for it.

Should suicide attempts be criminalized?

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