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Kevorkian gets green light in libel suit against AMA
May 28, 1997
Web posted at: 9:55 p.m. EDT (0155 GMT)
DETROIT (CNN) -- A judge has refused to dismiss a libel suit Dr. Jack Kevorkian filed against the American Medical Association for calling him a "killer" in a press release.
Kevorkian, a 69-year-old retired pathologist who has publicly acknowledged helping 45 people kill themselves since 1990, characterizes his work as a humanitarian action. He has been tried and acquitted three times on charges related to the deaths of five people in Michigan.
But the ruling from Wayne County Circuit Judge Sharon Tevis Finch, released by Kevorkian attorney Geoffrey Fieger, said the statement published by the AMA could lead to the inference that Kevorkian has been convicted of murder. The AMA, which opposes assisted suicide, said it would appeal the ruling. Fieger said he planned to proceed immediately to a jury trial.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Related stories:
- Police probe Kevorkian links to 2 deaths - February 3, 1997
- Kevorkian suggests guidelines for suicides - January 14, 1997
- Kevorkian won't be present for Supreme Court 'kooks' - January 6, 1997
- White House opposes physician-assisted suicide - November 12, 1996
- Kevorkian arrested outside pawn shop - November 7, 1996
- Kevorkian facing charges again - October 31, 1996
- Kevorkian present at assisted suicide for 44th time - October 24, 1996
Related sites:
Note: Pages will open in a new browser window- Right to Die Society
- International Anti-Euthanasia Task Force
- Supreme Court Justices
- FedWorld - Supreme Court Decisions
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