GR Federalist Society Sponsors Assisted Suicide Debate

Attorneys John Anding (far left) and Devin Schindler (3rd from left) presented mock oral arguments for Cooley students, including the officers of the GR Federalist Society: (from l to r) Michael Lichterman, Bruce Merchant, LeeAnn Ford, Joanna Smith, and Tom Smith.

On November 11, the GR Campus Federalist Society held a mock-trial debate on whether the Federal Controlled Substances Act preempts Oregon's Death with Dignity Act, which allows physicians to prescribe medication to terminally-ill Oregonians to commit suicide. This case
was argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in
October 2005.

Two well-known Grand Rapids attorneys presented 15-minute oral arguments before the attendees who sat as justices, followed by a rebuttal. A discussion followed the trial. Mr. John Anding, a founding partner at Drew, Cooper & Anding, argued the federal government’s side, while Mr. Devin Schindler, a partner at Warner, Norcross & Judd, advocated Oregon's position. Included in the oral arguments were ideals of federalism, legislative intent, voter initiatives, the states’ historical regulation of medical practices, the commerce clause, precedent, and autonomy.

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This Page was last updated on: 12/08/2005