Euthanasia concerns the premature cessation of life. Despite often being viewed as a ‘good death’, owing to its painlessness and resultant relief from extreme suffering, it inevitably involves killing of some description. This fuels legal and moral debate as to its acceptability and virtue. This piece will examine the different categories of euthanasia, the current English law governing them, and a consideration of the recent case of Diane Pretty. It will also analyse religious and secular standpoints on the matter. Finally, conclusions as to their significance will be drawn, and potential further developments in the legal domain will be explored in an attempt to add to this debate