Reply #44: I'm sorry, but are you asserting Terri did not know the implications [View All]

of the marriage contract?

That seems to me like quite a far flung conclusion since pretty much everyone knows that next of kin are empowered to make decision in cases such as this, and that spouses are next of kin.

Furthermore, you assume love between parents and children overrides conflict of interest whereas spouses do not.

But if you look at the body of child neglect and abuse, and even elder neglect and abuse, your hypothesis does not pan out.

The sort of conflict you suggest CAN exist anywhere - the question is why you assumer it does here but not there.

I must further note you are ASSUMING Terri and Michael's interests conflict. They may coincide perfectly. The court has found no evidence of conflict, and in fact found Michael to have acted in good faith. It's not an assumption - it's a reasoned conclusion based on evidence.

On more question: If you believe Terri was not competent enough to understand the implications of her mariage contract, what makes you think she'd be competent to sign a living will?