Abstract
The case is presented because it provides a fresh opportunity to examine in a dispassionate way apparently irreconcilable views on Capital Punishment.
Valentine Shortis at 22, an immigrant from Ireland, was tried in Montreal, found guilty of murder and condemned to die on January 3, 1896. The diagnosis of all but one of the examining psychiatrists was moral imbecility.
The crimes were committed without apparent motive, malice or remorse. The defence pleaded insanity at the time of the killings.
Despite public pressure the Governor General refused to sign the Death Warrant and the Sentence was commuted to Life Imprisonment.
In French Canada feeling ran high because Louis Riel had been executed in 1885 although he was clearly insane.
Shortis remained in custody for 42 years in various mental hospitals. During all this time he retained his personality well, was able to take responsibility and was highly regarded by staff and patients alike. He showed no signs of the deterioration which might have been expected.
He was released at the age of 60 and died suddenly, a free man, six years later.