buddhism crime and punishment

Question 1

Outline three things Buddhists believe about justice

Answer 1

justice could be seen as karma in action. No one can escape the consequences of your actions.

Bringing about justice in the world in the world reduces suffering i.e. less poverty, better human rights and reduces crime

Justice is important for the victims of crime, but also important for the offender to begin the road to a happier more mindful life

Question 2

Is karma justice in actions?

Answer 2

Buddhist may believe this to be true

Question 3

Outline three causes of crime

Answer 3

The three poisons: greed, hatred, and ignorance

Poverty

Upbringing

Drugs and alcohol

Question 4

what do you think Buddhists will believe where the root causes of crime?

Answer 4

three poisons of greed, hatred, and ignorance.

unskilful actions based around these.

Some might consider it as a result of negative karma

lack of compassion and loving and kindness for yourself and victim. 

Question 5

Outline three things Buddhists may do to end crime and criminal reoffending

Answer 5

Work in more deprived communities

Teach mindfulness to prisoners

Teach the eightfold path

Question 6

what is the purpose of the prison Dhamma network?

Answer 6

teach criminal mindfulness

Technique so they can control their thoughts, emotion and actions and therefore be helped to reform themselves

Question 7

explain the difference between skilful and unskilful action

Answer 7

skillful actions have good kammic consequences and are based on love and compassion and fit in with the five precept/6 perfections and Noble 8 fold path.

unskillful actions are based on the three poisons, have negative kammic consequences and break the five precepts and other ethical principles 

Question 8

according to Budds and why do people suffer?

Answer 8

Second noble truth craving and three poisons

Question 9

outline three buddhist beliefs about punishment

Answer 9

it should not be based on retribution

It should avoid further suffering

Should be based on compassion and kindness

Should try and change the mind and behaviour of the offender

Question 10

Retribution

Answer 10

To seek revenge

A eye for eye

Question 11

Reform

Answer 11

To change the behaviour of the offender so they do not reoffend. Give them new skills to get a job or cope better in society.

Question 12

Deterrence

Answer 12

To put people off from offending or reoffending

Question 13

protection

Answer 13

To protect people from dangerous criminals

Question 14

Buddhist response to retribution

Answer 14

Would disagree with this as it causes further suffering for all. Creates negative Karma for people carrying out punishment. Goes against the first precept to avoid harming living beans goes against principle of AHIMA.

Question 15

What is response to reform?

Answer 15

Would agree with. Reduces suffering of offender, reduces suffering within society of offender changes mindset, allows forgiveness and reconciliation, is kinda a more compassionate approach.

Question 16

buddhist response to deterrence?

Answer 16

This may not work if people are in the grip of the free poisons, locking people up may be okay to protect society but not as a punishment

Question 17

buddhist response to protection

Answer 17

May agree if protecting society from dangerous individuals and stopping these people from producing even further negative karma

Question 18

explain Buddhist responses to the treatment of criminals considering torture, human rights, fair trial, trial by jury

Answer 18

but this believes criminal should be treated fairly and justly.

That their human rights should be respected.

Not to do this would create negative kamma

Break precepts and create further suffering.

Torture would be seen as praying further resentment. 

Question 19

Explain two Buddhist responses to forgiveness

Answer 19

 forgiving means letting go of anger and resentment as well as the desire for their offender to suffer free punishment. If people do not forgive they will suffer to forgiveness is important for our own well-being.

Forgiveness can lead to reconciliation, forgiveness does not mean that the criminal will escape their own karma

Question 20

Outline two arguments for the death penalty

Answer 20

justified retribution

Protect society. Dangerous people cannot reoffend.

Question 21

Outline two arguments against the death penalty

Answer 21

Cruel and barbaric, innocent people killed, not effective deterrent

Question 22

Explain the Buddhist response to death penalty

Answer 22

oppose death penalty as it breaks first precept and does not allow rehabilitation

Revenge should not to be part of criminal system

Creates mass suffering and bad karma