Originally posted by tatsxxx11
On average, men convicted of killing their wives receive 5-10 years in prison.

On average, a woman convicted of killing her husband receives 20 years to life
Are you serious?? That is SICKENING!!
I thought that if you're found guilty in the first or second degree murder, then you're usually sentenced to at least 20 years in prison, if not for life (regardless if you're male or female)... I thought people get sentenced to life in prison with or without parole...

Hmmm... I just found this:
First degree murder: First degree murder includes all planned and deliberate murders and certain other murders (for example, murder of a police officer, a prison employee, or any other person authorized to work in a prison, while on duty). Persons convicted of first degree murder are not eligible for full parole for 25 years, however, after serving 15 years offenders may apply to have the eligibility date reduced under Section 745 of the Criminal Code (See: "The Role of Parole" section, Judicial Review question). They become eligible for unescorted temporary absences and day parole three years before their full parole eligibility date. An offender may apply for escorted temporary absences after admission to a federal institution.

Second degree murder: Second degree murder is any murder that is not first degree murder. The sentencing judge determines when people convicted of second degree murder are eligible for consideration for parole, which can be set between 10 and 25 years. The Judicial Review provisions also apply for second degree murder if the parole eligibility date is set beyond 15 years (See: "The Role of Parole" section, Judicial Review question). Inmates incarcerated for second degree murder become eligible for consideration for unescorted temporary absences and day parole three years before their full parole eligibility date.

Manslaughter: Manslaughter is any culpable homicide that is neither first nor second degree murder. The judge may sentence someone convicted of manslaughter to any term deemed appropriate - anywhere from a number of months to a maximum of life.

Offenders who are paroled while serving life sentences remain on parole for life unless parole is revoked. Without a grant of parole, the offender remains imprisoned for life.
Young offenders: In murder cases, some offenders under 18 years of age are transferred by the youth court to an adult court and sentenced to life imprisonment without eligibility for parole until the offender has served:

* Five to seven years for a person under the age of 16 at the time of the offence;

* Ten years, in the case of a person convicted of first degree murder who was 16 or 17 years of age at the time of the offence; and

* Seven years, in the case of a person convicted of second degree murder who was 16 or 17 years of age at the time of the offence.
http://www.npb-cnlc.gc.ca/infocntr/parolec/pparele.htm