Most states have laws against aiding a suicide or assisted suicide. These laws are usually found in the state’s statutes, and sometimes in the state’s court opinions or case law (common law). The severity level of these crimes range from misdemeanors to felonies.
In Tennessee, assisted suicide is considered a criminal offense under state law. According to Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-13-216, it is a Class D felony for any person to knowingly assist another in the commission of suicide. This includes providing the physical means by which another person can commit suicide or participating in a physical act by which another person commits or attempts to commit suicide. The law does not consider the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment or the administration of medication for the purpose of alleviating pain to be assisted suicide, provided that the medication is not intended to cause death. As a Class D felony in Tennessee, the crime of assisted suicide can result in significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines. It is important for individuals in Tennessee to understand that any form of assistance in the act of suicide is against the law and can lead to serious legal consequences.