The High Court has handed down judgment in Morris v Morris [2024] EWHC 2554 (Ch).

The High Court has handed down judgment in Morris v Morris [2024] EWHC 2554 (Ch).

Following an assisted voluntary death at a Swiss clinic known as Pegasos, the Court found the claimant had made out a clear and compelling case for the Forfeiture Rule to be modified by excluding its application in full.

The Court clarified that merely travelling with a person to a Swiss clinic will not always be an act capable of assisting or encouraging suicide, it will depend on the circumstances and what occurred on the journey (clarifying part of the judgment in Re Ninian deceased, Ninian v Findlay[2019] EWHC 297 (Ch) at [45]).

On the facts of Morris the Court reached the clear conclusion that those who had merely travelled had acted in a way which was capable of assisting or encouraging, nor had they intended to do so.

A link to the judgment can be found here.

Toby Bishop acted for the successful claimant, instructed by Alexa Payet of Michelmores.

William East acted for Gregory White of Dixon Ward, who was appointed as a representative party, for those who may have been interested in the estate, pursuant to CPR 19.9.