On Thursday 4 June 2020 the Faculty of Law Victoria of the University of Wellington will launch a recorded panel discussion on Seales v Attorney General and subsequent law reform. This milestone event is given in honor of lawyer and law reform advocate Lecretia Seales and marks the fifth anniversary of both the decision on the case and Lecretia’s death. For the first time, Lecretia’s counsel,
the Crown’s counsel, and the presiding judge will come together publicly to discuss their perspectives on the historic court action.
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. 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
Justice David Collins, Court of Appeal
Andrew Butler, Barrister
Paul Rishworth QC
Mike Heron QC
Chris Bishop, MP
Kiri Allan, MP
Jessica Young, Executive Director of the 2020 End of Life Choice Act Referendum Society
Māmari Stephens, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
New Zealand