The benefit of Kevorkian representing himself is that he was able to project the sincerity of his beliefs and the strength of his convictions during his closing argument. University of Detroit Mercy Law Professor Larry Dubin provided The Detroit News with an analysis of Jack Kevorkian's performance in the courtroom as he defended himself against a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Thomas Youk, 53. Murder charges were later dropped. Michigan State Board of Medicine suspends Kevorkian's license. Legislature makes assisted suicide illegal, except to relieve pain and suffering.
Ban later expires.
Newly elected Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca drops assisted suicide charges against Kevorkian filed by predecessor Richard Thompson. Judge in Ionia County declares mistrial in Kevorkian's fourth assisted suicide trial, saying statements by defense attorney Geoffrey Fieger were inflammatory. U.S. Supreme Court rules that state governments have the right to outlaw doctor-assisted suicide. Kevorkian later admits to helping as many as 130 people die. Michigan medical examiner says kidneys Kevorkian harvested and offered for transplant were crudely removed from a man Kevorkian helped to die.