During Louis Riel's trial, which of the following occurred?

• A. Riel's defence counsel wanted to claim innocence on grounds of being insane
• B. Riel resisted this idea because it would discount the Metis struggles
• C. He ended the trial with a speech that declared his awareness of his actions, and defended his roles in the Metis resistances
• D. He was found guilty, but the jury recommended mercy. The verdict was appealed many times, but the federal Cabinet was still in favour of execution

Answer: (C)

Riel’s trial is remembered for his closing remarks, where he openly acknowledged his actions and defended his leadership in the Métis resistance. This moment shows him using the courtroom to articulate the political dimension of his act—presenting the Métis cause and his role in opposing policies that he believed threatened their rights and way of life. It isn’t about a plea of insanity or a later mercy ruling; rather, it captures how he framed his actions as political resistance and leadership for his people, which is why this option fits the historical record best.