Capital punishment, or the death penalty is the execution of an individuals life as a punishment for criminal conviction is currently criminalized in Canada, although should be decriminalized. The act of capital punishment officially became illegal in 1962 when Robert Turpin and Arthur Lucas were the last individuals to be executed in Canada.(Victims of Violence,2016) Since 1962 capital punishment has been a controversial topic with arguments about morals, justice and human rights. capital punishment serves as a deterrent for criminals, provides retribution and makes society safe. Punishment is necessary for extreme criminal cases including first degree murder and serious sexual offences such as rape. The deterrent effect ensures that executions …show more content…
Section 43 of the Criminal Code states that “Every schoolteacher, parent or person standing in the place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care, if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances”.(Government of Canada,1985) The action of corporal punishment, otherwise known as “spanking” is done to improve a child’s behaviour or eliminate reoccurrence of disobedience. Spanking a child is an ineffective way to discipline children and exposes them into an aggressive environment. This type of punishment models the use of aggression and violence, teaching children it is acceptable to use violence. The practice of spanking often correlates with children developing into violent adolescents. In addition to its ineffectiveness at correcting children’s behaviour, spanking can lead to life long side effects. Long term effects of corporal punishment that children develop include mental health issues, increase in delinquent behaviour during childhood, criminal behaviour and negative parent-child relationships.(Sage Journals, 2000) In addition to long term side effects that corporal punishment has on children, national professional organizations agree and strive to eliminate corporal punishment. The American Academy of Paediatrics