New guidance on Mercy Killings

The CPS has launched a public consultation updated legal guidance on homicide offences, which sets out public interest factors prosecutors should take into account when dealing with suspects in deaths arising out of failed suicide pacts or mercy killings.

The factors include when the victim reached ‘a voluntary, settled and informed decision to end their life’, the suspect was ‘wholly motivated by compassion’, the suspect attempted to take their own life at the same time or where they reported the death to the police and ‘fully assisted the authorities’.

The victim being under 18 and there being a history of abuse or violence towards the victim are other factors for prosecutors to consider.