Capital Punishment Flashcards
Define capital punishment
The practice of executing someone because they have committed a serious crime.
Where is capital punishment legal?
Capital punishment is not legal in the UK or Ireland but it is still a punishment used in many countries around the world such as:
- States within America
- China
- Countries in the middle east such as Pakistan
Give five reasons FOR capital punishment
Deterrence - It will stop other criminals from committing a similar crime
• Retribution - some evil acts need an ultimate payback like capital punishment
• Protection - If evil people are removed then society is protected
• Arguments from religion - Some people argue that the Bible is in favour of capital punishment. The Old Testament law gives examples of crimes were the perpetrator should be put to death.
• Financial arguments - Some people argue it would be cheaper to put a criminal to death instead of living in prison
Give five arguments AGAINST capital punishment
- The death penalty does not deter criminals from committing serious crimes. E.g Texas there are more murders than many states which don’t have the death penalty.
- Some people believe it lowers the tone of their community.
- Many argue that the death penalty is revenge and that serious crimes shouldn’t be dealt with in a cruel and inhumane way.
- It is unfair for people who who have to administer the lethal injection.
- Others argue that Capital Punishment is an easy way out for criminals when they should be made suffer in jail for the rest of their lives.
Give two bible verses for capital punishment
- Genesis “Humans are made in God’s image so if you murder them then your life will be taken”
- Matthew “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:”
Give one bible verses against capital punishment
- Jesus emphasised that you should be careful not to judge others because ‘all have fallen short of God’s standard’ (Romans)
Why do some victims forgive their offenders? (3)
- The offender is apologetic in some cases but not in others.
- Some victims find it easier to forgive than others because of their personality and also because of their faith.
- The type of crime committed can influence how easy it is to forgive. E,g burglary, shoplifting or vandalism
Who does restorative justice affect?
- victim
- offender
- community
What is restorative justice?
Restorative justice is a problem-solving approach to crime that involves the victim, offender and community. A meeting will be held between the victim and the offender and will be mediated by a representative of the community. The purpose of restorative justice is that victims may need help in being restored to normal life. Offenders may need help in being restored to a law abiding life and the community as well may have suffered damage that needs to be repaired.
How does restorative justice help the victim and offender? (5)
- Those who were responsible have an opportunity to see the damage they have caused.
- Sometimes practical gestures are offered by the offender such as financial payments or community work.
- Sometimes the offender will promise not to reoffend and may agree to a relevant counselling course.
- The victim will want to hear the reasons why the crime was committed and have an apology offered by the offender.
- It also enables the victim to have closure over the incident or to have amends made.
Give two examples of restorative justice
- Within a School - Teachers may use restorative Justice to help students overcome their differences.
- The Restorative Justice Consortium was formed in 1997 in England and Wales. They also work with a variety of organisations across the world in using this process to help work through various situations.
Why is restorative justice limited?
- It is reliant on voluntary co-operation. If victims and offenders are not willing to take part in restorative justice they must have formal justice through the courts.
- Restorative Justice can be unachievable if the victim and offender is not part of a strong community.
Name three other methods of punishment instead of imprisonment
A Fine: The criminal is charged a certain amount of money.
Probation:
A probation officer will supervise the criminal on a regular basis
Antisocial Behaviour Order (ASBO):
The criminal is not allowed to go to certain places or must stay away from certain people.
With reference to the Bible should Christians agree with the death penalty? (5)
- The Old Testament references to the death penalty and instances it was used in. Murder was the most severe and the book of Genesis states, “Humans are made in God’s image so if you murder them then your life will be taken” (9:6)
- Jewish people would have expected that what they did to another person would be done back to them. Some people will look at these verses and agree with capital punishment.
- However, Christians believe that Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament law and teaches his people to follow a new way. “Now I tell you, do not take revenge on someone who has wronged you” (Matthew 5:38-39).
- Jesus emphasised that you should be careful not to judge others because ‘all have fallen short of God’s standard’ (Romans 3:23)
- Christians also believe that we are all guilty of putting Jesus to death through our sin but God offers us forgiveness.
What does the Roman Catholic Church believe about capital punishment ?
The Catholic Church historically believed that capital punishment was necessary and even had the death penalty if anyone tried to assassinate the Pope. However the Catholic Church currently believe that it should only be used if absolutely necessary. They think that if the criminal can be punished with other means and society is protected from them then capital punishment should not be given.
