Ethical, legal and medical problems on the borderline between life and death

'Brain death' appears to be almost a closed chapter in medical history. But it remains fascinating, particularly regarding future developments, how medical discoveries, moral dilemmas, ethics and law have merged and lead to a common consent on the principal medical, ethical and juristic positions. After a consideration of these questions, topical problems concerning the extent and the limits of medical responsibilities, especially with regard to euthanasia and the problems of a broad interpretation of brain death are discussed.