Revelations that the governor of Montana was considering transferring Ronald Smith, the Canadian on death row in his State, to Canada with guarantees of minimum five years imprisonment do not alter the perspectives on the issues at hand. (Gazzette)
As I understand, Smith went into the US and committed a felony punishable by death in that State. He was caught, tried, found guilty and sentenced to death. Repatriation (with consequent release after the minimum guaranteed term) would send the wrong signal to any ill-intentioned Canadian: you can go and commit crimes that would get locals hanged, because Canada, no matter how blatantly guilty you are, will kick up a fuss and get you repatriated and released on parole.
This is not the ideal of justice this country espouses.
1 comment:
Im confused where the 5 years comes in. First degree murder carries a mandatory minimum of life in prison with no chance of parole for 25 years IN CANADA. Second degree murder carries a mandatory minimum of life in prison with no chance of parole for 10-25 years (set by the judge) IN CANADA. How could he be out in five years if he were transferred here?
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