The Death Penalty in Canada: History, Abolition, and Social Justice

This presentation explores the history of capital punishment in Canada, from its enactment under British rule in 1859 to its complete abolition in 1976. It details the types of offenses that led to capital punishment, the number of executions carried out, and the shift towards abolishment through de facto implementation and legislative changes. The presentation discusses the pros and cons of capital punishment, Canada's international stance against it, and the impact of abolition on homicide rates. It also examines religious views on capital punishment, particularly the Church's belief in clemency and opposition to killing. Finally, it highlights the Canadian government's focus on peace, reduced crime, and the complete abolition of punishment, referencing various sources that discuss punishment, memorialization, and corrections in Canada.

Capital Punishment in
Canada

What is Capital Punishment?
Capital punishment is authorised maximum punishment in the form of
death penalty.
All across the world most of the countries use death penalty as capital
punishment.
In countries like Canada Capital Punishment is not death now.
When the verdict is given during the hearing it is called death sentence.
The act of carrying the sentence is execution.

Offenses leading to capital Punishment
Murder
Treason
Genocide
Arson with intention of killing

History of Capital Punishment in Canada
The first Capital Punishment took place in Canada under British
Rule and was enacted in 1859.
Since the inception of death penalty in Canada 710 people have been
hanged officially.
697 men and 13 women had been given the punishment.
Death Punishment has been only given through hanging.

History of Capital Punishment in Canada
In 1963 de facto was implemented to abolish death penalty.
In 1967 a moratorium was brought on death penalty.
In 1976 the death penalty was completely abolished by the country ‘s
government.
Bill C-84 was passed to abolish capital punishment.
Exceptions are there for instance certain military offenses.

Pros of Capital Punishment
Capital Punishment just instills fear among people.
It compels people to not to commit a crime that could draw them to
capital punishment.
It is considered to help reduce crime.
Canada doesn’t believe in Death Penalty as capital punishment.
Its present maximum punishment is lifetime imprisonment.

Cons of Capital Punishment
Death Penalty is considered as a deterrent of crime but still
countries like Mexico, America, African Nations and Asian
countries top the chart in crime.
Death penalty is considered unethical and immoral in most of the
cases.
Apart from that sometime a person is falsely accused and hanged
which means justice is breached.
Fuels vindictive behavior among the close relatives of the accused.

International Politics of Canada Regarding
Death Penalty
Canada Since a long time opposed death penalty.
The Government of Canada emphasised on asking for clemency for Canadians
facing death penalty in other countries as well.
However, they constantly made their efforts to ensure they receive clemency
but stated that the country would not “actively pursue” the issue.
The case of Ronald Allen Smith a criminal facing charges for murder of
aboriginal men in Montana showed the stand of the Canada government.

Situation after Abolition of Death Sentence
It was considered that killings would increase after abolition.
However, rate of homicide went downwards in 1976 itself.
In 1998 it hit all time low being 1.9 per 100,000 people.

Abolition in Practice
Since abolition of death penalty people have found clemency easily.
Lifetime imprisonment span has been increased.
False cases have been identified effectively.
Since 2000 there have been no further talks of reinstating of death
penalty.
Maximum punishment given by Canada Courts is lifetime
imprisonment.

Religious Views
Canada is nation with all kinds of religions.
It primarily follows Christianity.
Different religions different views but the country has been able to
hold them strong.

View of the Church
The church believes Clemency is right.
It follows the Holy Bible.
In the book capital punishment is considered direct breach of
the fifth commandment.