8.4 - CONTENT - Crime and Punishment Flashcards
Explain Non-religious arguments for capital punishment
1) Acts as a warning and stops people committing the crime.
2) It means society can rid itself of most dangerous people, they can’t be a threat any more.
3) Can make the criminal confess to their crime, as plea bargaining can reduce sentences.
4) The value of human life is made more clear by executing those who kill others.
What is the legal age for people to be able to drink alcohol?
You must be over 18 years of age to consume alcohol legally. However there is an exception where persons aged 16 or over can drink alcohol if they are having a table meal with someone who is aged 18 or older.
State reasons for the need for law and justice in society.
- We ought to protect weak people so they don’t get bullied
- Everyone is entitled to live in peace
- We need to be kept safe from criminals
- People need to know how to behave with each other
- I want to live without fear
- We need to protected against violence
Explain Islamic thoughts and attitudes towards justice.
Muslims believe:
- the Qur’an teaches that God wants people to act in justice and fairness to each other
- Everyone is equal under Islamic law
- Justice is the basis of Zakah ( one of the pillars of Islam)
- The Shari’ah (law of God) requires justice for everyone
- The prophet Muhammad acted with justice
Give examples of Islamic quotes towards justice
“O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God…” (Surah 4:135)
Why is justice important for Christians? State what they think
Christians believe that they should behave justly, which means treating other people in a fair and just way. This is important because
-God is a just God and people should behave in the same way
-The bible teaches that God wants people to behave justly
Jesus taught that everyone should be treated in the way they would like to be treated. “ do to other what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12)
-All of the Christian churches teach that Christians should behave justly
Give a quote about Christians and justice.
” I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me… I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Explain Islamic thoughts and attitudes towards justice.
Muslims believe:
- the Qur’an teaches that God wants people to act in justice and fairness to each other
- Everyone is equal under Islamic law
- Justice is the basis of Zakah ( one of the pillars of Islam)
- The Shari’ah (law of God) requires justice for everyone
- the prophet Muhammad acted with justice
Give examples of Islamic quotes
“O ye who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God…” (Surah 4:135)
State the 4 main types of punishment and for each explain what the theory is.
Deterrence- The idea that punishments should be of such a nature that they will put people off(deter them from) committing crimes
Retribution- The idea that punishments should make criminals pay for what they have done wrong
Protection- Isolating the prisoner to them safe and others safe.
Reform- The idea that punishments should try to change criminals so that they will not commit crimes again.
What are the problems caused by drugs and alcohol?
- Some drugs such as alcohol and tobacco can be incredibly harmful to a person’s health.
- They can be highly addictive which can ruin lives.
- Some drugs cause considerable social problems.
- A lot of these drugs can lead people to make very bad decisions which can hurt others.
What is a Christian attitude towards drugs and alcohol?
Sometimes it is okay to drink alcohol as the Bible does not condemn it. As well as this, Jesus himself drank wine.
However drinking alcohol can impair someone’s judgement and reduce their ability to act in a Christian way.
What is a Muslim attitude towards drugs and alcohol?
All Muslims should follow the teachings of the Qur’an. In the Qur’an, it teaches that drugs are Haram (Forbidden).
Explain Christian attitudes against capital punishment
1) Goes against the sanctity of life. Only God has the right to give life and take it away.
2) Jesus came to save and reform people- an executed criminal can’t be reformed.
3) Jesus taught that revenge is wrong: “…If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
4) Capital punishment is not compatible with the overall message of Christianity, which is love and forgiveness.
Explain Christian attitudes for capital punishment
1) The Old Testament teaches that capital punishment should be used for some criminals, “ whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed.”
2) In the New Testament, St Paul teaches that Christians should accept and obey the laws and punishments of the government, this would include the death penalty.
3) Jesus never taught that the death penalty was wrong
4) Some Christian Churches permit the death penalty for very serious crimes.