8 - Crime And Punishment Flashcards
Arguments for reform
Changes criminals for the better, helps become law-abiding citizen
Why we need the law
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
Arguments against reform
Seen to go against punishment, gives criminals more chances
For protection
Makes public feel safe
Against protection
Criminals could be released back into society
Arguments for Deterrence
Someone could be put off by seeing someone else be punished, the person who is punished could be out off reoffending
Arguments against deterrence
Prisons are full, nearly half of all prisoners reoffend once released
Arguments for retribution
Helps victims and families find comfort and closure, helps the victim feel like justice has been served
Arguments against retribution
Some victims feel punishments aren’t severe enough, some families feel retribution can never be achieved
Christian teachings on justice
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
How Christians help justice
Ensure resources shared equally, giving to charity, campaigning for governments, helping the oppressed
Muslims teachings on justice
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
Shari’ah law and justice
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
Why Muslims work for justice
To obey Qur’an, to fulfil Shari’ah, to fulfil five pillars, to please Allah and Muslims are encouraged to give Sadaqah - voluntary donations
Non-religious arguments for capital punishment
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
Non-religious arguments against capital punishment
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
Christians for capital punishment
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
Christians against capital punishment
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
Muslims for capital punishment
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
Muslims against capital punishment
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
Social and health problems caused by drugs and alcohol
Violence, debt, addiction, crime, disorderly behaviour, unemployment, mental illness, family/relationship breakdown, serious illness, overdose, homlessness
Christians for alcohol
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
Christians against drugs and alcohol
“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
Muslims against drugs and alcohol
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
