Uniform Determination of Death Act

This law was proposed in 1981 by a Federal commision. Moving beyond the traditional no-pulse, no-breath standard, this law defines death as the "irreversible cessation of all functions of the entire brain, including the brain stem." (Death & Dying). This law appears to shift focus from the chest to the cranial cavity and does not discriminate among neurological functions.

It appears the court system is making strives to define death in a legal format. More and more cases are being brought into the court system simply because the families cannot decide what to do amongst themselves. It is critically important in todays society that we as human beings have a plan for our loved ones as to what to do with ourselves if we end up in a permanent vegatative state.