Question

The Supreme Court in In re Quinlan discussed Karen’s right to privacy at length. What documents and precedent did the Court look to in order to establish Karen’s legal right to privacy? How did the Court evaluate the interests of the state in light of Karen’s right to privacy? Because Karen could not assert her rights, how did the Court ultimately reason that these rights should be asserted?

Answer 1

#. The documents and precedent that the court look to establish Karen's legal right to privacy are :-

- definition of brain death

- definition of right to privacy

#. The supreme court argued that the state could not compel Karen to endure the unendurable (the invasion of her body by machines and tubes) and also stated that the preservation of life decreases with the decrease in chance of regaining cognitive functions .

#. As Karen was in vegetative state , she could not stand for her rights , so the court appointed Joseph Quinlan as the guardian of Karen to preserve her right to privacy .