This Almanac examines the law concerning an individual's right to die and one's right to issue advance directives concerning health care decisions. Additionally, a historical analysis of the topic, constitutional considerations, and recent developments in the law are discussed. An appendix provides directories of organizations, sample documents and statutes. A glossary is included. The Legal Almanac series serves to educate the general public on a variety of legal issues pertinent to everyday life and to keep readers informed of their rights and remedies under the law. Each volume in the series presents an explanation of a specific legal issue in simple, clearly written text, making the Almanac a concise and perfect desktop reference tool. All volumes provide state-by-state coverage. Selected state statutes are included, as are important case law and legislation, charts and tables for comparison.