English

(18 January 2001) — The Supreme Court portrayed Tracy in a balanced manner. It stated, "T[racy] was quadriplegic and her physical condition rendered her immobile." It also noted that, "Tracy enjoyed music, bonfires, being with her family and the circus. Tracy could apparently recognized family members and she would express joy at seeing them. Tracy also loved being gently rocked by them."

(10 November 2000) — Due to its ableist biases, the Provincial Museum of Alberta has provoked in the disability community a torrent of discussion on the concept of mercy and its portrayal. Currently, the Museum features the Anno Domini: Jesus Through the Centuries exhibition, which examines the impact of the teachings of Christ. The curators have included the Sermon on the Mount, the New Testament's equivalent of the Ten Commandments.

by Dick Sobsey

(13 June 2000) — As we in Canada approach next week's Supreme Court hearing of Robert Latimer's "Mercy Killing" of his daughter Tracy who had cerebral palsy, the old "walk a mile in his shoes" arguments are starting to resurface. This argument, commonly used in Mercy Killings, simply says that we can't judge someone's actions if we have not experienced the situations they have been in. In the Latimer case, his lawyer openly suggested this shortly after the initial arrest to build public sympathy.

For Immediate Release

June 12, 2000

On June 14th the Supreme Court will hear Robert Latimer's appeal of his conviction of second-degree murder of his 12-year-old daughter Tracy. The Council of Canadians with Disabilities along with five other organizations has jointly received intervenor status in the Court. CCD and its members have followed this case with considerable concern since Tracy's murder in 1993. Robert Latimer has twice been convicted and had his appeals denied by the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, this appeal to the Supreme Court is the final step.

by Leslie MacLeod

(2 June 2000) — Mr. Robert Latimer will be back in the Supreme Court of Canada on June 14, 2000. He is appealing his 10 year mandatory sentence for the second degree murder of his 12 year old daughter Tracy. Many Canadians will be watching this appeal, none more anxiously than people who have disabilities.