| Abstract [eng] |
The title of master's thesis - The Natural Right to Life: Issues of Euthanasia and the Death Penalty. The purpose of this paper is to analyze regulation of the human right to life. Focusing on the institutions regulating the end of life: euthanasia and the death penalty. The regulation of the human right to life is analyzed on the international and national levels. It is emphasized that the right is on the most important human rights. This right is interpreted broadly and in response to the social changes, official guides are provided in the context of euthanasia and the death penalty. In Lithuania, this right complies with international standards. The second part of the thesis concentrates on Euthanasia, legal regulation of the countries where it is legalized is reviewed. The legalization of euthanasia is increasing in the world. Although active actions about euthanasia in Lithuania are quite rare, taking into account the tendencies in the world, it is believed that euthanasia or at least assisted suicide may be legalized in the future. During the analysis of the death penalty institute at the international and Lithuanian level, it was established that this institute is prohibited in international documents. States that still use the death penalty are being criticized by the international community and are highly encouraged to abolish it. In Lithuania, this punishment has been recognized unconstitutional. Few initiatives are found who aim to restore this penalty, it is emphasized that it would conflict with the Constitution and international obligations. Euthanasia and the death penalty are viewed in terms of morality and Roman Catholic Church’s approach. Morality does not provide one view to the legalization of euthanasia and the criminalization of the death penalty and thus does not help to answer it. The Roman Catholic Church’s approach to life changed and only in 2018 was confirmed that all actions against human life were strongly condemned. Euthanasia and the death penalty are not supported. |
