RSS FeedMapping Homicides in the GTA
Remember our discussion about crime rates in “Scarlem” early last year?
The Toronto Star released an interactive map that plots all the homicides, not just in Scarborough, but across the GTA. The stats can be broken down by year (to 2005), age, gender, and type (shooting or otherwise).
Self-defence discussed in Bryant’s case
Lawyers abuzz over Michael Bryant case
The Star polled several criminal lawyers about Bryant’s possible defences. Several witnesses said the car was riding against objects on the opposite side of the street before running Mr. Sheppard over.
Jonathan Rosenthal, who has extensive experience in motor vehicle cases, said he would look for evidence his client feared for his safety.
“The only defence I see is him saying: `Listen, this guy had threatened me and I was scared he was trying to get in my car. I had to get away from him.’”
Breaking news: Michael Bryant arrested
Former Ontario attorney general Michael Bryant has been arrested after a cyclist was killed last night while hanging on to a fleeing car, police sources say.
The crash occurred on Bloor St. near Bay St. around 9:45 p.m. when witnesses said a male cyclist in his 20s collided with a black Saab.
B&E or Homicide? Choose Quick!
If you had to choose between being killed, or having your house robbed while you were out or asleep, which would you choose?
Earlier today the Texas Senate passed a bill that would allow concealed handguns on campus, presumably including law schools.
According to Statistics Canada (2001), the homicide rate in Canada is 1.8 per hundred thousand. In the U.S. it’s more than three times that, at 5.5 per hundred thousand. Aggravated assault? 143 in Canada, and 324 in the U.S.
NRA supporters always claims that guns help keep America safe. And they might have a point.
Breaking and entering rates in the U.S. are lower than in Canada, at 521 per hundred thousand to 954. And motor vehicle thefts are 414 compared to 728 per hundred thousand.
But it’s just as plausible that more crimes in the U.S. are commissioned armed than not as compared to Canada. And it’s not just an American problem.
Over half the handguns discovered related to crimes in Canada were smuggled from the U.S. It’s a little better than Japan, where 30% of their illegal handguns come from the States. But then they have this big ocean separating them too.
Maybe we can feel some comfort in knowing that a full 80% of crime scene guns in Mexico were also smuggled from the U.S. And that Texas is as far from the Canadian border as possible.
Maybe.
