Euthanasia from the Point of View of Legal Theory

Abstract: This article is devoted to an analysis of the phenomenon of euthanasia from the perspective of legal theory, considering the institution as an intersection of legal and moral norms. Euthanasia provokes active public and academic debates, as it touches on fundamental issues such as the right to life, individual self-determination, and the state's duty to protect life. The study aims to identify contradictions between legal provisions that establish the sanctity of life and the endeavor to recognize an individual's right to freely dispose of their life under conditions of unbearable suffering. The article examines both the historical-legal and moral-ethical aspects of the institution of euthanasia, as well as modern approaches to its legalization. A comprehensive methodological approach was applied, incorporating doctrinal, historical-legal, comparative, and ethical analyses. This multifaceted approach enabled an assessment of how moral principles influence the formation of legal norms. The findings underscore the necessity of developing balanced legal mechanisms capable of ensuring the harmonious coexistence of the right to life and the right to self-determination within the framework of the modern legal state.