The Grim History of the Death Penalty in Canada: Author Talk with Lorna Poplak

About this event

Adults (18+). Death by hanging was a grim realty within the Canadian criminal justice system until its abolition in 1976 (now 50 years ago). But what did capital punishment look like in Canada? Author Lorna Poplak will discuss the history of the death penalty in Canada, with a focus on topics such as the inconsistent application of the death sentence, the treatment of women, wrongful conviction, the difficult journey toward abolition, and the last two hangings at Toronto's notorious Don Jail. Lorna Poplak is a writer, editor, and researcher, with a fascination for the stories behind the facts of Canadian history. Her books include Drop Dead, The Don, and On the Lam. She lives in Toronto. Q&A to follow. Signed books available for purchase.