A court in California has permitted Jahi McMath's mother to present evidence that Jahi "has standing" to bring a lawsuit. This is a remarkable development that allows for Jahi to have "standing to bring the cause of action despite the issuance of a death certificate on January 3, 2014."

A court in California has permitted Jahi McMath’s mother to present evidence that Jahi ”has standing” to bring a lawsuit. From the court’s order sustaining a demurrer (meaning the original pleadings were insufficient to go forward):

CHO’s demurrer…is SUSTAINED…WITH LEAVE TO AMEND to allege facts sufficient to state a cognizable cause of action by Jahi against CHO…for negligence, including facts to the effect that Jahi has standing to bring the cause of action despite the issuance of a death certificate on January 3, 2014.

What does that mean? A dead person does not have standing to sue.

In other words, the court opened the door for the presentation of evidence that Jahi McMath is not dead, that is, her current condition does not meet the clinical criteria for a declaration of brain death.

There is reason to think that could be done. It has been nearly two years since Jahi’s medical catastrophe, and yet, her body has apparently not deteriorated as generally occurs in a brain death situation.

Declarations from respected physicians have concluded she exhibits neurological functions that are inconsistent with a deceased person.

Note that the judge ruled that saying she is dead because a death certificate so declares she is dead will not be determinative if the plaintiff can offer pleadings indicating facts to the contrary.

Continue reading Wesley J. Smith at National Review...