Steven Truscott – age 14

Many people believe that the Steven Truscott case led the Canadian justice system to abolish capital punishment in 1976.

At age 14 he was accused of murdering a classmate (1959).

Steven Truscott today -

YouTube - Steven Truscott Case - updated version

David Milgaard

In 1970, 16-year-old David Milgaard was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 1969 murder of 20-year-old Saskatoon nursing aide Gail Miller. After 23 years in prison, the Supreme Court of Canada set aside his conviction. Five years later he was cleared by DNA evidence and awarded $10 million. In the same year, Larry Fisher was found guilty of the rape and stabbing death of Gail Miller.

Guy Paul MorinConvicted of 1984 murder and rape of 8-year old neighbour, Christine Jessop.

Cleared by DNA testing.

Incompetence and mistakes by the police, prosecutors and forensic scientists combined to send an innocent man to jail.

Donald MarshallA Mi’kmaq Indian (Nova Scotia), he was convicted in 1971 of killing his friend.

Spent 11 years in jail.

An inquiry pointed to racism within the justice system that led to the wrongful conviction of Marshall.

Paul Bernardo & Karla Homolka

The Ken and Barbie Killers

Raped and killed 3 girls including Karla’s sister.

She made a deal with the police and got 12 years in prison.

He got life.

Clifford OlsenServing life sentence for the rape and murder of 11 children.

Arrested 1981.

Made a deal with the authorities: his family received $100,000 for his cooperation with the police. He led them to the graves of the children he murdered.

Questions to consider/research:

How many prisoners on parole commit murder again?

How often is DNA evidence used? Is DNA evidence infallible

Should the criminally insane killer be executed?

How many aboriginal and black prisoners are in prison?

Should religious beliefs influence Canadian law?