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CMAJ • March 4, 2003; 168 (5)
© 2003 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors

NEWS
NOUVELLES

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

The death of death row?

The last state-sanctioned executions in Canada took place Dec. 11, 1962, when Arthur Lucas and Ronald Turpin were hanged in Toronto. The practice has been outlawed since Parliament abolished capital punishment in 1976.

On Jan. 14, 2003, Illinois Governor George Ryan spoke to law students at Northwestern University and explained why he was commuting the death sentences of all 167 prisoner on death row in that state:

"Today, the United States is not in league with most of our major allies. Europe, Canada, Mexico, most of South and Central America — these countries have rejected the death penalty. Today, we are partners in death with several Third World countries. ...

"Our capital system is haunted by the demon of error, error in determining guilt, and error in determining who among the guilty deserves to die. Because of all these reasons, today I am commuting the sentences of all death row inmates.

"This is a blanket commutation. I realize the decision will draw ridicule, scorn and anger from many who oppose it. They will say I am usurping the decisions of judges and juries and state legislators. But as I have said, the people have vested in me to act in the interest of justice, and even if the exercise of my power becomes my burden, I will bear it. ...

"The Illinois capital punishment system is broken. It has taken innocent men to a hair's breadth escape from their unjust execution. ... In the days ahead, I will pray that we can open our hearts and provide something for victims' families other than the hope of revenge." — CMAJ





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