Second Michigan law outlawing physician-assisted suicide takes effect. Michigan voters overwhelmingly reject proposal to legalize doctor-assisted suicide for terminally ill. Oregon remains only U.S. state where practice is legal. Kevorkian is found guilty of misdemeanor assault and resisting arrest in May 1998 scuffle with Royal Oak police. Oakland prosecutors charge Kevorkian with first-degree murder, violating the assisted suicide law and delivering a controlled substance without a license in the death of Thomas Youk.
Prosecutors later drop suicide charge in a strategic move.