crime and punishment Flashcards
what is a crime?
an offence that is punishable by law, e.g. stealing
what is punishment?
something done to a person because theyu have broken the law
what are the causes of crime?
- social reasons e.g. lack of education
- environmental issues e.g. high unemployment, financial problems
- psychological reasons e.g. people suffering from mental problems
what are the four different types of crime?
- crime against the person
- crime against property
- crime against the state
- religious offences
what are examples of crime against the person?
murder, assault or rape
what are examples of crime against property?
vandalism and arson
what are examples of crime against the state?
terrorist activities, selling secrets to another nation and tax evasion
what are the six aims of punishment?
- protection
- retribution
- deterrence
- reformation
- vindication
- reparation
what is retribution?
ones due reward, almost a revenge or a way of making it equal
what is deterrence?
a way of putting people off committing a crime
what is reformation?
trying to change someones behaviour for the better
what is vindication?
punishing someone to show the law must be respected
what is reparation?
paying back society
what are the christian teachings against crime and punishment?
‘an eye for an eye…a life for a life” (supports retribution)
jesus said to ‘love your neighbour’ (could support reparation/protection)
what are the islam teachings against crime and punishment?
it says in the quram ‘if anyone is killed justly, we have granted the right of RETRIBUTION to his heir’
“as to the thief, male or female, cut off their hand” this supports retribution
what is a young offender?
someone under the age of 18 who has committed a crime
what are the punishments for young offenders?
- secure training centre
- secure children’s home
- young offenders institute
what quote is there in christianity that does not support severe punishments for young offenders?
‘spare the rod, spoil the child’
what are the advantages of prison?
- protects society
- isolates the prisoner who deserves that punishment
- stops people reoffending
- act as a deterrent to others
- gives offenders time to reflect on their actions
what are the disadvantages of prison?
- can be ‘schools for crime’
- breeds resentment and bitterness
- most prisoners reoffend
- makes getting a job difficult, on release
- offenders families suffer
- relationships break down
what are the reasons for capital punishment?
- meets many aims of punishment (retribution, deterrence and protection)
- cheaper way to deal with criminals
- a fitting punishment for severe crimes
- ‘an eye for an eye, a life for a life’
- ‘if anyone is killed justly, we have granted the right of RETRIBUTION to his heir’
what are the reasons against capital punishment?
- innocent people may be executed
- prison may be a better alternative as this still protects society
- prisoners should be given the chance to reform
- only god/allah has the right to end lives
- all life is sacred
- jesus taught ‘love your neighbour’
- one of the ten commandments, is do not kill
what are the four alternative forms of punishment to prison?
- community service
- electronic tagging
- fine
- probation
what is life imprisonment?
a prison sentence that keeps people in prison until they die
