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Uncertain Justice: Canadian Women and Capital Punishment, 1754-1953

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Uncertain Justice: Canadian Women and Capital Punishment, 1754-1953

by F. Murray Greenwood

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1460 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	280 pages

In the annals of Canadian history, the death penalty has been a controversial and divisive issue. For centuries, it was the ultimate punishment for a variety of crimes, including murder, treason, and piracy. While men were more likely to be executed than women, women were not exempt from the death penalty. In fact, some of the most notorious cases of capital punishment in Canadian history involved women.

Uncertain Justice: Canadian Women and Capital Punishment, 1754-1953 is a comprehensive examination of the history of capital punishment in Canada, with a focus on the experiences of women. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including court records, newspapers, and personal accounts, the book explores the legal, social, and cultural factors that shaped the use of capital punishment in Canada.

The book begins by examining the early history of capital punishment in Canada. The first executions in Canada were carried out by the French in the 17th century. The British, who took control of Canada in the 18th century, continued to use capital punishment for a variety of crimes. In the early 19th century, Canada adopted a new criminal code that reduced the number of crimes punishable by death. However, capital punishment remained in use for murder, treason, and piracy.

The book then turns its attention to the experiences of women who were sentenced to death in Canada. Women were less likely to be executed than men, but they were not immune to the death penalty. In fact, some of the most notorious cases of capital punishment in Canadian history involved women. These cases include the execution of Marie-Josephte Corriveau in 1845, the execution of Sarah Ann Shaw in 1889, and the execution of Alma Manning in 1923.

The book concludes by examining the abolition of capital punishment in Canada. In 1953, the Canadian Parliament passed a bill abolishing the death penalty for all crimes except murder. The last execution in Canada took place in 1962.

Uncertain Justice: Canadian Women and Capital Punishment, 1754-1953 is a valuable contribution to the study of Canadian history and the history of capital punishment. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the use of capital punishment in Canada, with a focus on the experiences of women. The book is well-written and well-researched, and it is sure to be of interest to scholars, students, and general readers alike.

Uncertain Justice: Canadian Women and Capital Punishment, 1754-1953

by F. Murray Greenwood

5 out of 5