Cryonic Suspension and the Law

Abstract

Three central problems which adversely affect the intriguing use, development, and perfection of the cryonic suspension of individuals are analyzed: the extent to which a physician may be guilty of malpractice in assisting with a suspension – owing to present weaknesses in defining death and coordinate criminal liability attaching theretofor murder; the need for a recognition of suspension; and the present effect of the law's anachronistic treatment of estate devolution upon a cryon – or one undergoing suspension. To meet these difficulties, a partnership is proposed between law and medicine which would respond to challenges to this type of new biology in measured anticipation of the future consequences, rather than with a passive spirit of resignation to things to come.