Lawless Encore: Episode 6, "Do You Want to Die?"
The World and Everything In It delves deep into the harrowing true-crime narrative surrounding the Terri Schiavo case in its sixth episode, "Do You Want to Die?" Hosted by Lynn Vincent, the episode unpacks the intricate legal battles, personal tragedies, and ethical dilemmas that defined one of America's most controversial right-to-die cases.
Setting the Stage: High Alert in Pinellas County
The episode opens with a tense atmosphere in Pinellas County, Florida. Lynn Vincent reports that in March 2005, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office heightened its alert status for six weeks, providing intensive police protection to Judge George Greer. Greer, the probate judge responsible for Terri Schiavo's case, had previously made the pivotal decision to remove Terry's feeding tube.
Notable Quote:
[00:03] Lynn Vincent: "For all of March 2005, the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office has been on high alert."
Unveiling the Players: Judge George Greer and George Philos
Judge George Greer is portrayed as a seasoned and impartial figure, deeply rooted in his Southern Baptist faith. His calm demeanor contrasts sharply with the high-stakes legal battles he oversees. Greer's background includes an unexpected brush with fame, having shared a semester with Jim Morrison of The Doors during law school.
Notable Quote:
[19:30] George Greer: "To maintain integrity, you just need to do the right thing."
In stark opposition stands George Philos, a lawyer whose spiritual transformation at a yoga retreat profoundly influenced his career trajectory. Philos becomes a central antagonist, driven by his newfound obsession with death and the "right to die" movement. His methods blur ethical lines, pushing him to manipulate legal outcomes to facilitate death over life.
Notable Quote:
[34:46] George Felos: "Religious fundamentalism gives me the willies. It's very difficult for me to relate to a mindset that relegates to hell everyone else who doesn't express God..."
The Core Conflict: Michael Schiavo vs. the Schindlers
At the heart of the episode is the bitter legal struggle between Michael Schiavo, Terri's husband, and her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler. Michael seeks to remove Terri's feeding tube, arguing that she wouldn't want to live in her vegetative state. The Schindlers vehemently oppose this, believing that Terri deserves continued care.
Notable Quote:
[12:05] Bobby Schindler: "Her desire not to remain alive should she be in an irreversible condition."
The Schiavo case gains national attention, becoming a battleground for debates on medical ethics, legal guardianship, and the sanctity of life. Central to the case is the question of whether Terri Schiavo had expressed a desire to die, especially in the absence of a clear advance directive.
George Philos' Machinations and Legal Maneuvering
George Philos emerges as a pivotal figure, orchestrating legal strategies to ensure Michael's petition to remove Terri's feeding tube proceeds. Philos' involvement introduces a sinister layer to the case, as he manipulates legal standards to meet the "clear and convincing" evidence required by Florida law.
Notable Quote:
[25:26] Lynn Vincent: "Pierce also goes to visit Terry. [...] And, you know, she just had a vacant glare."
Philos' actions are driven by his belief in liberating individuals from their bodies to fulfill a divine essence, a conviction stemming from a mystical experience in 1986. This spiritual zeal blinds him to the ethical implications of his legal interventions.
The Legal Battle Intensifies: Richard Pierce's Role
Richard Pierce, appointed as Terry's guardian ad litem, becomes a crucial player in the legal showdown. Unlike his peers, Pierce approaches the role with a strong bias towards advocating for Terry, diverging from the expected impartiality. His investigative efforts uncover inconsistencies in Michael's claims, particularly highlighting financial motivations and past coercive actions against Terri, such as withholding antibiotics.
Notable Quote:
[23:24] Jim Avery: "When I was appointed guardian ad litem, I always thought that was a protective sort of position where I was supposed to take Terry's side."
Pierce's report casts doubt on Michael's credibility, noting that Terri's alleged wish to die had no substantial evidence beyond Michael's assertions and his potential financial gain from Terri's death.
Judge Greer's Dilemma and Upholding Justice
As the legal battle unfolds, Judge Greer remains the steadfast arbiter, navigating through conflicting testimonies and legal intricacies. His personal connections to the community, including his long-standing relationship with Calvary Baptist Church, add layers to his character as a judge committed to maintaining integrity and justice.
Notable Quote:
[19:17] George Greer: "Before Schiavo, My claim to fame was that one of my roommates for one semester at Florida State University was Jim Morrison."
Despite Philos' attempts to undermine Pierce by alleging bias, Greer stands firm, denying the motion to discharge Pierce from his role. This decision leaves Terry without independent representation, intensifying the emotional and legal stakes for the Schindlers.
Philos' Ethical Decline and the Right-to-Die Movement
The episode delves into the broader implications of Philos' actions within the context of the right-to-die movement. His recruitment by organizations like Compassion and Choices showcases the blurred lines between activism and ethical boundaries. Philos' interrogation tactics during depositions, where he poses extreme hypotheticals to undermine the Schindlers' stance on preserving life, reveal his manipulative strategies aimed at justifying Terri's death.
Notable Quote:
[31:28] George Felos: "Even bear to ask myself about the last remaining limb in this hypothetical scenario."
Philos' involvement not only fuels the legal battle but also highlights the dangerous potential of zealotry when fueled by personal convictions over objective justice.
Concluding Insights and Future Implications
"Do You Want to Die?" culminates in a tense standoff where legal maneuvers and personal vendettas collide. The episode underscores the fragility of ethical boundaries in the face of personal loss and ideological extremism. As the Schindlers brace for further legal challenges, the narrative sets the stage for the unfolding drama in future episodes.
Teaser Quote:
[35:23] Lynn Vincent: "Philo said the people trying to keep Terry alive were motivated by politics and not the law, by religion and not medical science."
Final Thoughts
Lynn Vincent masterfully navigates the complex web of legal, ethical, and personal dimensions that defined the Terri Schiavo case. Through detailed storytelling and poignant quotes, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the forces at play, the individuals involved, and the profound moral questions that continue to resonate in American society.
Stay tuned for the next episode of Lawless, where the battle for justice and truth continues to unravel.
Credits: Lawless is a production of WORLD Radio. Executive Producer and Sound Engineer: Paul Butler. Production Assistant: Lillian Hammond. Music by Will Sheehan. Written by Anna Johansen Brown, Bonnie Pritchett, and Lynn Vincent.