2020 Lecretia Seales Memorial Lecture In Law Reform

Victoria University of Wellington - Podcast

This milestone event was given in honour of lawyer and law reform advocate Lecretia Seales and marks the fifth anniversary of both the decision on the case and Lecretia's death. In 2015, Lecretia Seales went to the High Court to seek a ruling that would allow a doctor to assist her to die with her consent. Her court case initiated a national debate and helped focus a parliamentary inquiry into assisted dying. On Thursday 4 June the Faculty of Law recorded a panel discussion on Seales v Attorney General and subsequent law reform. For the first time, Lecretia's counsel, the Crown's counsel, and the presiding judge came together publicly to discuss their perspectives on the historic court action. The panel members will give their perspectives on the original case and the End of Life Choice Act that has led to the upcoming referendum. Chair: Geoff McLay, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Panel: Matt Vickers Andrew Butler, Barrister Mike Heron QC Paul Rishworth QC Justice David Collins, Court of Appeal Chris Bishop, MP Greg O'Connor, MP Māmari Stephens, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Jessica Young, Executive Director of the 2020 End of Life Choice Act Referendum Society