-
Period: 753 BCE to 476
Rome
Suicide was not condemned on its own and was only punishable if the person was awaiting trial, a soldier, or a slave. This is because Rome didn't see it economically viable for these people to die, as a person who dies before trial cannot have their property seized by the government, soldiers would be deserting their post by killing themselves, and slaves would not be worth the money purchased if they died soon after. -
Period: 735 BCE to 476
Rome
Suicide was never an offense on its own, and was only punished for certain cases. These were those who were awaiting trial, soldiers, and slaves. It was based purely on the idea that it damaged society directly, as those who killed themselves before conviction could not seize their property, soldiers would essentially be deserting their post, and slaves could not work. -
Period: 400 to 1400
Middle Ages
Christian church excommunicated anyone who attempted to kill themselves and who did so successfully were buried outside of any holy grounds. -
Period: 400 to 1400
Middle Ages
During the middle ages, the Christian church excommunicated anyone who attempted to kill themselves and those who did were buried outside of any holy grounds. -
1516
"Utopia" is written by Thomas More during the Renaissance
Thomas More writes "Utopia," which details that a person that was sick with a disease can "free himself from this utter life... since by death he will put an end not to enjoyment but to torture... it will be a pious and holy action." This depicts suicide as not only a solution, but a solution granted by God himself. -
Period: to
Widespread Decriminalization in Europe
Throughout Europe, suicide is decriminalized in countries with French influence as the French did so in 1790. -
Suicide Laws in the States during 1960
At this point in time, the United States had only 18 states that had no laws against suicide. -
England Decriminalizes Suicide
England decriminalizes suicide. Having already banned bodily desecration in 1823 and the confiscation of property in 1870, there was no need for it. -
Suicide Laws in the States during 1980
At this point in time, 30 of the 50 states had no laws against committing suicide, but all states had laws declaring it to be a felony to aid, advise, or encourage another person to commit suicide. -
Suicide Laws in the States during 1990
At this point in time, only 2 states had laws against committing suicide and have since removed those laws from practice.
