Robert Latimer: A story of justice and mercy

by Gary Bauslaugh

In October 1993, Robert Latimer, a Saskatchewan farmer, decided to end the life of his chronically ill daughter rather than subject her to another painful surgery. Tracy, who had the mental capacity of a five-month-old infant, was twelve at the time of her death. She had already endured multiple operations to correct conditions caused by her severe cerebral palsy. Tracy's death and the charge of murder laid against Robert Latimer set in motion Canada's most famous and controversial case of "mercy killing." The case sparked a national debate about euthanasia and the rights of the severely disabled that continues today. Author Gary Bauslaugh takes us back to the beginning of this case, describes its explosion on the national scene during two highly publicized trials, and looks at later conflicts surrounding Latimer's parole hearing. In clear, insightful prose, Bauslaugh discusses the conflicting views of Latimer's sympathizers and detractors in chapters that explore the ethical dilemmas as well as the legal issues that this case has raised. As a reporter who has followed the case from its beginnings and interviewed Latimer multiple times during his imprisonment and subsequent parole, Bauslaugh's intimate knowledge of the personalities and facts of this difficult case allow him to write a revealing and informed book.

184 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2010

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dry but extremely emotional to me personally. I had a newborn proufoundly disabled during this period. His pain was my pain. The lack of supports is unimaginable to people who have never lived it! To ignore a jury of his peers was pure administrative vindictiveness. I’m sure that one always has doubts but mercy trumps all. The suffering doesn’t end with the death, only her suffering.

[Darby Duffield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought provoking.

[Christine Stapley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book took me a while to finish as I was getting nightmares from it

[Rystana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy read and quick. Very thought provoking and overall enjoyable even though the subject matter is in reality bleak. I would 100% recommend reading this if you're someone who is interested in crime and law, specifically in Canada. Euthanasia is a very controversial subject and the way this author wrote about Robert Latimer was generally tasteful, considering the long-winded trial and explosive topic.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! It really gives an insight of how compassionate Robert was and how much pain that Tracy had to live through.