I’d like to say that I’m surprised by this ruling, but unfortunately I’m not. Every limitation on the First Amendment is a restriction on all of us. I hope that an appeal is in the works.
A11-0987 State of Minnesota, Respondent, vs. William Francis Melchert-Dinkel,
1. Minnesota Statutes section 609.215, subdivision 1, which criminalizes advising, encouraging, or assisting another to commit suicide, is not unconstitutionally overbroad under the First Amendment.
2. The First Amendment does not bar the state from prosecuting a person for advising, encouraging, or assisting another to commit suicide by sending coercive messages to suicide-contemplating Internet users instructing them how to kill themselves and coaxing them to do so.
Affirmed.
By: Landon J. Ascheman, Esq.
Landon@AschemanSmith.com
(B) 612.217.0077 (C) 651.280.9533