Abstract

On September 25th the Supreme Court recognized, under certain conditions, the constitutional illegitimacy of article 580 c.p., the rule that punishes the conduct of those who facilitate suicide. By means of this judgment, the Court lays the foundations for a legislative recognition of active euthanasia. Starting from Seneca’s observations about suicide, the Author will question whether the right to die can be regulated by law and whether the recognition of individual freedom to decide to end one’s life really makes it necessary to recognize the lawfulness of medically assisted suicide.