The Execution of Louis Riel

On May 15th, 1885, Louis Riel, one of the most wanted criminals in Canada, was finally apprehended by the Canadian militia. After one successful murder and two unsuccessful rebellions, this insane criminal was finally to be brought to justice. A few weeks later Louis Riel was forced to face judgment for his crimes. He was found guilty of high treason and sentenced to the death penalty. Riel had failed to negotiate with the Canadian government before turning to violence, had committed treason, and had executed an innocent Canadian citizen. Riel had indeed committed the crimes held against him in the courtroom, which justifies the Canadian government’s choice to have him executed.
Treason is treason, even if you are justified in committing it; you have still committed treason, an offense punishable by death. The definition of treason is “the criminal act of causing harm to your country. . .” (Oxford – Students dictionary of English, 2001) Riel was clearly guilty of ...