Man is granted right to seek declaration allowing a doctor to kill him

A High Court judge has given a man with locked-in syndrome the go ahead to apply for a court declaration that would allow a doctor to kill him without risking a murder charge.

The ruling by Mr Justice Charles at the High Court in London that Tony Nicklinson has an arguable case opens the way for him to take his case—thought to be the first of its kind—to court later this year. Too paralysed to help take his own life, he is seeking voluntary euthanasia rather than assisted suicide.

The judge rejected an attempt by the Ministry of Justice …