The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear the Bush administration's challenge to Oregon's assisted suicide law.

Under former attorney general John Ashcroft, the Department of Justice issued a directive that bars physicians from using federally controlled substances for assisted suicide. The stance was a reversal from the Clinton administration.

The state of Oregon says it has a right to regulate how doctors within its borders practice medicine. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals last May agreed in a 2-1 decision.

Get the Story:
Justices to Hear Challenge to Oregon Assisted-Suicide Law (The Washington Post 2/23)
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Justices Accept Oregon Case Weighing Assisted Suicide (The New York Times 2/23)
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Court Decision:
Oregon v. Ashcroft (May 26, 2004)