CNK opposed the late Tony Nicklinson's application for any doctor ending his life not to face prosecution, and had intervener status in his case, later taken up by Paul Lamb. These applications were turned down by the High Court, Court of Appeal and ultimately, on 25 June 2014, by the Supreme Court. We also intervened in the case of 'Martin', who seeks to challenge the law on suicide, and we oppose any further guidance being given by the Director of Public Prosecutions.

High Court (Queen's Bench Division) 2012: Ruling / Summary

Court of Appeal (Civil Division) 2013: Ruling / Summary

Supreme Court 2013: Ruling / Summary

On 6 January 2017, it was announced that Noel Conway, a 67-year old man with Motor Neurone Disease, would, supported by Dignity in Dying (formerly the Voluntary Euthanasia Society), challenge the Suicide Act in the courts. Mr Conway's case is similar to that of Tony Nicklinson; the difference, it is argued, is that Mr Conway's conditional is terminal. CNK, Not Dead Yet UK and Humanists UK intervened in the case, which was heard at the High Court - the application being dismissed the application on 5 October 2017 and Court of Appeal - the appeal being dismissed, and the Divisional Court ruling upheld, on 27 June 2018. On 27 November 2018, the Supreme Court declined to hear a further appeal, bringing the case to an end.

High Court (Queen's Bench Division) 2017: Ruling

Court of Appeal (Civil Division) 2018: Ruling / Summary

Supreme Court 2018: Hearing / Overview / Determination

A second, separate case, that of 54 year old Omid, who was diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) in 2014, 'seeks a declaration that the Suicide Act 1961 and the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 are incompatible with the Human Rights Act.' Omid ended his life at an assisted suicide facility in Switzerland on 5 October 2018.