Legal and Ethical Dimensions: Examining Disability in the Latimer Case

This essay delves into the ethical and legal complexities surrounding disability, using the Latimer case as a focal point. It examines the competing concerns, the rights of individuals with disabilities, and the philosophical values at play. The author reflects on their own evolving understanding of disability, emphasizing the importance of tolerance, respect, and love for individuals with disabilities. The essay argues against leniency for perpetrators of domestic murder, especially when the victim is a blameless individual with disabilities, advocating for their right to proper care, love, and support from both society and the government. Desklib provides a platform for students to access a wide range of past papers and solved assignments, enhancing their understanding of complex topics.

Introduction to disability
Introduction to disability
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Introduction to disability
What is the issue and what is the point of concern for you within this issue?
The point of concern, in this case, is the existing momentous legal issues in this particular case.
The prevailing issues that arise from the Latimer case are quite momentous.
The point of concern is the killing of Latimer who is living disabilities, by the parents whose
motive is to reduce Latimers' suffering. However, this is both unethical and against the law. This
issue is absolutely ironical.
What are the competing concerns presented in this issue? (1mark)
The competing concerns involve the court's perception and decision making process or capability
regarding this matter. It is competing to acknowledge whether the courts should strictly abide by
the letter or just utilize the spirit of the law.
It is also unclear whether an informed decision made does favor the legalization of
Latimers'euthanasia. It is also unclear whether mercy killing would really put the individual
people with disabilities in a dangerous situation. Thus it would mean the extinction of fewer
sentences made for the convicted victims
Who are the defenders of the competing sides of the issue? 2marks
Human rights defenders
The court of appeal
In regards to individuals with disabilities, which legal or moral right is being violated? 1
mark
The legal right being violated is that by means of various constitution exception, people with
disability are deemed as second class citizens
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Introduction to disability
Killing the disabled is also against the law. Thus the killer should be tried in a court of law and
convicted with first-degree murder
The legal sides referred it as an act of compassionate homicide
According to human nature views and religion, it is unethical to discriminate and mistreat people
with disabilities.
What philosophy or values about people with disabilities are being presented by those
involved in this issue? 3marks
The values many modern communities have are independence, individualism, and success for
every person regardless of his disability.
Some of the values presented are love, respect, and care. This builds their fulfillment and enables
others to view people with disabilities as important.
What is your stance in regards to this issue? 2 marks
My view in this issue is that the perpetrators who do domestic murder should not receive any
leniency from the courts. Therefore special legislation for those individuals who kill their
oppressors should be not considered, mainly based on self-evidence. This is because it is so quite
problematic to kill a victim such as Tracy Latimer who was really blameless
I can also say that Disabled individuals should be treated right just like the normal kids in
society. They should neither be discriminated nor mistreated. My stance in this issue is to
spearhead the fact that they should receive proper care and love from their people and also
supported by the government in terms of social education and health amenities.
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Introduction to disability
What have you learned about your philosophy about people with disabilities as a result of
this activity? 3marks
It is evident that I have learnt quite a lot from this activity. My philosophy about disabled people
have complexly changed. I have gained philosophical values such as tolerance, respect and love
for the physically challenged. They have had a positive impact in transforming me thus bringing
me into a new and deeper vision of philosophical humanity. In my argument this activity has
helped me discover who I really am, my deepest priorities and needs and what it literally means
to be a human with dignity, love, and care. It has enabled me identify the legal means and ethical
means that I should follow in case of such an activity. People with disabilities are significant in
my life since they have enabled me to acknowledge a new and meaningful life that is distinct
from what societal approaches advocates. They reveal the ultimate need for a community in the
society that the weak and vulnerable people need to be supported since they are capable of
accomplishing life goals.
In my own point of view Children with disabilities require to be nurtured with love. They
develop me as a person and builds my self-esteem.
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