Legal Opinion
In Re the Guardianship of Hamlin
Washington Supreme Court
Decided November 1, 1984No. 49101-1PublishedCited by 50 opinions
1Opinion of the CourtBrachtenbach, J.
The main issue is a determination of *812who, if anyone, has authority to authorize the withdrawal of life support systems when (1) the patient has only minimal brainstem activity and (2) the patient has been severely mentally retarded since birth, therefore, never expressing his wishes about termination of life support.
While this case was on appeal, Joseph Hamlin, the patient/ward, died. Because the issues presented clearly met our criteria for deciding moot cases, we retained the matter for decision. Sorenson v. Bellingham, 80 Wn.2d 547, 558, 496 P.2d 512 (1972).
While Joseph Hamlin is now…
2Cases cited17 opinions
- In Re QuinlanSupreme Court of New Jersey · 1976
- Superintendent of Belchertown State School v. SaikewiczMassachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · 1977
- Sorenson v. City of BellinghamWashington Supreme Court · 1972
- Eichner v. DillonNew York Court of Appeals · 1981
- In Re the Welfare of ColyerWashington Supreme Court · 1983
12 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.
3Cited by50 opinions
- Matter of ConroySupreme Court of New Jersey · 1985
- Rasmussen by Mitchell v. FlemingArizona Supreme Court · 1987
- In Re Estate of LongewayIllinois Supreme Court · 1989
- Matter of FarrellSupreme Court of New Jersey · 1987
- In Re the Guardianship of GrantWashington Supreme Court · 1988
45 more not listed; retrieve them via the Exa API.