suicide

Suicide is the intentional taking of one’s own life. This case from Maryland , explains that “suicide is the intentional taking of one’s own life, i.e., by his or her own hands.”

Suicide is no longer considered a crime in the United States; however, some states have attempted suicide listed as a crime in their criminal statutes. On the other hand, assisted suicide (when someone helps another to commit suicide) is a crime in all U.S. states, with physician-assisted suicide being an exception to this rule in some states.

See also: Assisted suicide ; Physician-assisted suicide

[Last reviewed in August of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

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