Latimer

Question 1

The personal story

Answer 1

• Robert Latimer was married to Laura and their first child, Tracy, was born in 1980
• Tracy suffered from numerous health conditions (caused by brain damage at birth)
• Everyone in the family helped to take care of Tracy

Question 2

The Crime

Answer 2

• Tracy had another surgery planned for November 1993
• On October 24, 1993, Laura and the other kids were at church
• Latimer took Tracy to his truck and connected a hose to the exhaust pipe
• Tracy died from CO2
• Latimer placed Tracy back in her bed
• Latimer later confessed to the Police

Question 3

The legal story

Answer 3

Oct 1993: Latimer kills Tracy
Nov 1993: Latimer is convicted of second degree murder
July 1995: Latimer appeals to SCC
Feb 1997: New trial is ordered
Nov 1997: Latimer is convicted again but granted “constitutional exemption” from mandatory minimum
Nov 1998: Sask CA overturns constitutional exemption
Jan 2001: SCC dismisses appeals of conviction & sentence

Question 4

The effect of the case

Answer 4

• Ozzy Osbourne released a song called “Latimer’s Mercy”
• People wrote letters to the Latimer’s (members of parliament, ministers of Justice, the PM, and the Governor-General
• The Jury attempted to giver a lesser sentence
• The judge called a mandatory sentence cruel and unusual

Question 5

What are the aggravating circumstances?

Answer 5

• Latimer initially concealed his actions
• Latimer never apologized
• Latimer was in a position of trust (Tracy relied on him for her survival)
• The murder was planned
• Tracey was vulnerable

Question 6

What is this case about?

Answer 6

• moral dilemma
• is Robert a murderer or a caring father?
• brought awareness to the stresses of individuals living with disabilities and their families