8 - Crime And Punishment

Question 0

Arguments for reform

Answer 0

Changes criminals for the better, helps become law-abiding citizen

Question 1

Why we need the law

Answer 1

Protect the weak, create peace for everyone to live in, keep safe from criminals, guidelines on acceptable behaviour, be able to live without feat, protection from violence

Question 2

Arguments against reform

Answer 2

Seen to go against punishment, gives criminals more chances

Question 3

For protection

Answer 3

Makes public feel safe

Question 4

Against protection

Answer 4

Criminals could be released back into society

Question 5

Arguments for Deterrence

Answer 5

Someone could be put off by seeing someone else be punished, the person who is punished could be out off reoffending

Question 6

Arguments against deterrence

Answer 6

Prisons are full, nearly half of all prisoners reoffend once released

Question 7

Arguments for retribution

Answer 7

Helps victims and families find comfort and closure, helps the victim feel like justice has been served

Question 8

Arguments against retribution

Answer 8

Some victims feel punishments aren’t severe enough, some families feel retribution can never be achieved

Question 9

Christian teachings on justice

Answer 9

God is just so we should be too, Jesus taught everyone should be treated fairly, Jesus taught golden rule, all Churches teach Christians should behave in a just manner, judgement day, God will forgive those who are truly sorry for what they’ve done and want to change

Question 10

How Christians help justice

Answer 10

Ensure resources shared equally, giving to charity, campaigning for governments, helping the oppressed

Question 11

Muslims teachings on justice

Answer 11

Last day - judgement
Qur’an teaches God wants all to act fairly, everyone is equal under Islamic law, justice is the basis of charitable giving in Islam, Shari’ah law requires justice for all, Muhammad always acted justly

Question 12

Shari’ah law and justice

Answer 12

Muslims believe they should follow the Shari’ah law, believe they must obey the law of the country, Shari’ah courts have strict rules and all trials are public so justice is seen to be done, Shari’ah has laws to help society function fairly

Question 13

Why Muslims work for justice

Answer 13

To obey Qur’an, to fulfil Shari’ah, to fulfil five pillars, to please Allah and Muslims are encouraged to give Sadaqah - voluntary donations

Question 14

Non-religious arguments for capital punishment

Answer 14

Acts as a deterrent, value of human life made clear to those who take it away, can make people confess for a lesser sentence, society can rid itself of most dangerous criminals, execution is retribution and may help victim’s family, has a good psychological effect on society - bad things happen to bad people is fair

Question 15

Non-religious arguments against capital punishment

Answer 15

Countries that have it don’t have a low crime rate, the person could be innocent, some see it as murder - as bad as the criminal, human life is special shouldn’t be taken under any circumstances, terrorists who are executed seen as heroes - further increase terrorist attacks, some feel it escapes true justice

Question 16

Christians for capital punishment

Answer 16

Jesus never taught it wrong, Old Testament teaches it should be used for some crimes, St. Paul teaches to obey law of land, in Middle Ages it was used against those who challenged authority of Church

Question 17

Christians against capital punishment

Answer 17

Against sanctity of life, Jesus taught revenge is wrong, Jesus came to save and reform people - can’t happen with capital punishment, overall message of Christianity is love - against capital punishment

Question 18

Muslims for capital punishment

Answer 18

Qur’an says it can be used for murder and adultery, shari’ah agrees with the Qur’an, Muhammad made statements suggesting he agrees with capital punishment, when Muhammad sentenced some people to death for murder

Question 19

Muslims against capital punishment

Answer 19

Scholars of Shari’ah don’t agree how or when it should be used, Qur’an states it’s an option not compulsory, strict conditions given by Qur’an not often met, Shari’ah been seen to oppress women for adultery, some persuaded by non-religious arguments

Question 20

Social and health problems caused by drugs and alcohol

Answer 20

Violence, debt, addiction, crime, disorderly behaviour, unemployment, mental illness, family/relationship breakdown, serious illness, overdose, homlessness

Question 21

Christians for alcohol

Answer 21

St. Paul told his friend to drink it for medical reasons, Jesus performed the miracle where he turned water into wine, Bible states Jesus used wine to represent His spilled blood at the Last Supper, sometimes used to represent the blood of Christ, Bible doesn’t forbid alcohol consumption

Question 22

Christians against drugs and alcohol

Answer 22

“Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit”- body is God’s creation, impairs judgement - lead to unchristian actions, in Biblical times alcohol was a lot weaker than today, many illegal drug users turn to crime to feed their habit, bible teaches to obey law of land so illegal drugs shouldn’t be used, drug abuse can cause family breakdowns

Question 23

Muslims against drugs and alcohol

Answer 23

Allah created human body - abusing His creation, Qur’an says it’s forbidden (haram), could lead to family breakdowns, Muhammad said root of all evil