21. März 2021 – In this decision, the Federal Supreme Court had to examine whether a duration of proceedings of six and a half months before the Federal Administrative Court constituted legal delay. This question was significant because it concerned the medical permissibility of dispensing sodium pentobarbital to a person willing to die (i.e. wishing to undergo assisted suicide with the Dignitas association), and thus important personal interests were affected.

The Federal Supreme Court held that the complexity of the proceedings and delays due to the pandemic measures made the duration of the proceedings appear justifiable. However, the proceedings became groundless and were thus dismissed because the Federal Administrative Court had given notice of its judgement while the proceedings before the Federal Supreme Court were pending.

For the full decision, see here.