Death in State Custody

What is expected of State authorities with regard to the obligation to
safeguard the life of detainees? What obligations do State authorities have
in relation to the investigation into deaths that occur during deprivation of
liberty by the State?
This book addresses these questions regarding death in State custody in view
of the European Convention on Human Rights, in particular the right to life,
the prohibition of torture and the right to respect for private life (including the
right to self-determination). It also provides an analysis of whether the Dutch
legal framework contains safeguards to meet the requirements that follow
from the European Convention on Human Rights.
Matters that are discussed in detail are the obligation to provide healthcare to
detainees and to take protective measures to safeguard the life of detainees.
The ethical issues regarding end of life decisions of detainees, like refusal of
medical treatment, hunger and/or thirst strike, suicide and euthanasia, and
the conflicts that may arise in this regard considering the obligations of State
authorities are addressed.
This book is a must-have for all those who are involved in the (medical) treatment of
detainees and who are confronted with death in State custody.
Eveline Thoonen is a lecturer in law at the Van Hall Larenstein University
of Applied Sciences and a researcher at AC Kenniscentrum. She is also
a member of the Custody Care Supervisory Committee of the police unit
Oost-Brabant.