The incident I chose to research was the mercy killing of Tracy Latimer, by her father Robert. I feel the Rashomon Effect was evident through the unclear definition of the terms of her death. Should Robert Latimer be treated like any other murderer? Overwhelming public opinion is that Robert Latimer was justified in killing his daughter. Advocates of people with disabilities think second-degree murder is second-degree murder, and want him to serve the minimum ten year jail term. The Supreme Court considered and dismissed the Mr. Latimer's killing of his daughter was justified by the defense of necessity.
-Latimer confessed killing Tracy October 24,1993
-Conviction in November 16, 1994 was thrown out after it was revealed the Crown Prosecution interfered with jury selection.
-July 18, 1995 Saskatchewan Court of Appeal decides 2-1 to uphold Latimer conviction.
-October 25, 1995 Disclosure that prosecutor interfered with jury by questioning them about religion, abortion and mercy killing.
-November 27, 1996 Supreme Court of Canada hears Latimer case.
-February 6, 1997 Supreme Court orders new trial due to jury interference, but upholds Latimer's confession.
October 27, 1997 Latimer's second trial begins. He spent one night in jail before appealing the verdict.
-November 5, 1997 Jury finds Latimer guilty of second-degree murder and recommends he be eligible for parole after one year.
-December 1, 1997 Judge Ted Noble gives Latimer "constitutional exemption", orders sentence of less than two years, with one to be spent in the community. -He was released under his own recognizance under the same terms of release he's followed for the last three years.
-June 14, 1999, Latimer lawyers asked Supreme Court for a new trial.
-January, 2001, found guilty of second-degree murder and was sentenced to two years, imposed on compassionate grounds.
-January 18, 2001, the Supreme Court (unani...