Isn't it Illegal to aid suicide?

[Jam]

After reading the question on tobacco advertising, one comment said something along the lines of 'but I despair when I see so many young people committing slow suicide'. I was just thinking, aiding suicide is not a legal thing to do, so while people who smoke are committing suicide, albeit slowly, surely the tobacco companies are aiding them in their suicide attempts by selling them the tobacco. So can tobacco companies be held responsible for aiding suicide or am I just being stupid?

[andy hughes]

The finer point here is that smoking does not necessarily kill every person who indluges, so tobacco companies cannot be accused of aiding their suicide - should death occur as a result of smoking. People who specifically aid a suicide knowing the purpose and result of their actions do risk breaking the law. Not everyone who smokes wants to die, not everyone who smokes dies as a result, although it remains a health hazard - and no question is ever stupid, so come back with any others you can think of.

[BenDToy]

Nice question. Glad of the previous answer from Andy because I would hate to think that selling something which might kill you is a criminal act. Petrol retailers, licensees etc might become a little scarce!!! Also I think it is a bit harsh to consider smoking as suicidal.

[WendyW]

I like the point but would that also mean that government taking a cut (via taxation) is also guilty :)