Is Dutch law on euthanasia compatible with international conventions guaranteeing the right for life?

 

The Dutch government does not go so far as forbid individuals to decide for themselves whether or not their lives are worth living. For that reason, suicide is not an offence in the Netherlands, as it is in some other countries.

 

Can people come from other countries to seek euthanasia in the Netherlands?

 

This is impossible, given the need for a close doctor-patient relationship. Granting a request for euthanasia places a considerable emotional burden on the doctor. The legal procedure for assessment of each individual case of euthanasia requires the patient to have made a voluntary, well-considered request and to be suffering unbearably without any prospect of improvement. In order to be able to assess whether this is indeed the case, the doctor must know the patient well. This implies that the doctor has treated the patient for some time.

 

 

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Read the text to find out information about laws in Singapore. While reading think how many parts the text may be divided into.

 

Key vocabulary

 

strict (adj)– строгий

instill (v)– прививать, воспитывать

 

cane (v)– бить тростью, палкой

execution (n)– смертная казнь

offender (n)‒ правонарушитель

litter (v)– сорить, мусорить

subject to (adj)– подлежащий

tough (adj)– жесткий

 

mandatory (adj)– обязательный, принудительный sentence (n) ‒ приговор

 

vandalize (v)– бессмысленно разрушать, варварски относиться к чему - л.

 

Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world. Both local people and tourists feel safe there. Laws in Singapore are generally strict and aimed at instilling a self-disciplined society with restrictions and harsh punishment, for example, caning and execution. Singapore has created a wide variety of laws and regulations against anything and everything that could possibly upset the sense of tranquility. Taxi drivers in Singapore tell an often-told joke: "Singapore is a fine country. In Singapore, we have fines for everything." The joke is popular because fines are a defining element of life in Singapore. Some of the fines are for offences that international travelers might expect, such as littering. However, the penalties for these crimes and the strictness with which they are enforced may surprise travelers. First-time offenders can be fined $500 or more. Other laws are more unique to Singapore. For example, it is illegal to use a toilet in Singapore and then not flush¹ it. You will also be given a fine if you are caught spitting². The sale, importation and possession of chewing gum is banned and subject to heavy fines. First-time offenders can be fined $1,000 and repeat-offenders are fined $2,000 and given corrective work, such as cleaning a public place. The offenders are made to wear bright jackets, and sometimes, media are invited to cover the spectacle. This rule was introduced because of the high cost and difficulty in removing chewing gum from public premises. In addition to gum, other items that cannot be brought into the country without authorization from the government include bullet-proof clothing, toy guns, pistols, weapons, or spears. Chewing tobacco, toy currency, and obscene³ materials are strictly prohibited. Smoking is not allowed in public buses, taxis, lifts, theaters, cinemas, government offices, and in air-conditioned restaurants and shopping centers. First-time offenders face a maximum fine of $1,000. Eating or drinking is also prohibited in Mass Rapid Transit trains and terminals. It carries a minimum fine of $500. Laws against driving while using a cellular phone are very strictly enforced. First-time offenders can be fined up to $10,000. In addition to the minor offences that could result in a fine or community service work, the laws concerning more serious

 

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offences in Singapore are also very tough and strictly enforced. For example, there is a mandatory caning sentence for vandalism offences. An American teenager Michael Fay was caught vandalizing Singaporean cars in 1994 and sentenced to caning. Despite the considerable efforts of President Clinton and several other government officials, the sentence was not reversed, although the number of strokes were lessen. Fay was also fined and served a four-month prison sentence.

 

Notes:

1. flush – спускать воду

2. spit – плевать

3. obscene – неприличный, непристойный, оскорбительный

 

1. Translate the following expressions using the text:

 

- одна из самых безопасных стран

- законы нацелены на воспитание самодисциплины в обществе

- большое множество законов и постановлений

- суровое наказание

- нарушать спокойствие

- люди, нарушающие закон в первый раз

 

- люди, нарушающие закон повторно

- вы получите штраф

- подлежит большим штрафам

- исправительные работы

- для освещения события приглашаются средства массовой информации

- общественные помещения ( здания )

 

- другие товары, которые не могут ввозиться в страну

- обеспечивается строгое соблюдение законов

- мелкие правонарушения

- общественные работы

- законы, касающиеся более серьезных нарушений

- значительные усилия

- приговор не был отменен

 

- число ударов было уменьшено

 

2. Do the task below:

 

1. Divide the text into several parts and provide the reasons for your dividing.

 

2. How many laws and regulations can you find in the text? Write them out and decide which laws you consider just, reasonable, odd, useful, wrong. Say why you think so.

 

3. Compare Singapore’s laws with similar regulations in your country. Which country has stricter laws?

 

4. Do you agree that it is reasonable to have so many fines?

 

 

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TIME FOR FUN

 

3. Try to do this quiz just for fun. QUIZ 2. Dumb laws around the world