YOUR PETITIONERS ASK THAT PARLIAMENT ENACT LEGISLATION IN WHICH THOSE WHO ARE ACCUSED OF INTENTIONALLY TAKING THE LIFE OF A CHILD (under the age of 18)ARE AUTOMATICALLY CHARGED WITH FIRST DEGREE MURDER IN PLACE OF SECOND DEGREE MURDER AND ARE SENTENCED TO LIFE IN A FEDERAL PRISON WITHOUT CHANCE OF PAROLE FOR 25 YEARS.
We the undersigned residents of Canada, draw the attention of the house to the following:
-The incidence of violent crime against children under the age of 18 resulting in their intentional death, are becoming more frequent in London Ontario as well as all of Canada. We the people of London have encountered many acts of child violence resulting in a second degree murder charge, many of these charges have been laid on the parent or guardian of these children, and the majority of these children are under the age of 1 year. There have been 11 infant/child deaths in london and the surrounding area dating from October 2002 until December 2003, eight of which happened within nine months.
-Each incident harms the public opinion and their trust in the canadian judicial system. These incidents also affect the overall safety and security of the public.
-We feel that if legislative action were to be taken, and the charge of first degree murder were to be given to any person who has intentionally taken the life of a child under the age of 18, there would be less incidences of these crimes. They would serve life in prison without chance of parole for 25 years, instead of the 20 year maximum given with a second degree murder charge.
-Therefore your petitioners ask that parliament enact legislation in which those who are accused of intentionally taking the life of a child under the age of 18, are charged with first degree murder in place of second degree murder, and when convicted serve a life sentence without chance of parole for 25 years.
