Crime and Punishment Flashcards
What is the need for laws and justice?
- So that we know how to behave there would be chaos otherwise
- So that our property is protected
- So that the weak and vulnerable are protected
- Best societies have that best legal systems
Why must laws be fair?
- If not fair then there would be a breakdown in society
- Peopke will think that all laws are unfair and that the legal system is inadequate
- Civil wars may be the result of unfair laws
- May be protest against unfair laws
What are the Christian attitudes towards justice?
- OT; God is fair, but justice should be harsh it’s about the revenge “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”
- NT;Jesus taught forgiveness,”do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you”
- Christians; bring justice to the world, challenge unfair laws
What are the Muslim attitudes towards justice?
- Says in Qur’an;”stand out for justice m, as witnesses to God”
- Nuslims believe God is just and will judge us on the last day, as stewards of creation we must ensure the world is governed fairly
- Shari’ah law;ensures justice is applied consistently and fairly
- Must work for equal rightband equal distribution of worlds resources
What are the four theories of punishment?
- Retribution; criminals pay for their crime e.g.prison, this gives the victims a feeling of justice
- Deterrence; punishment so severe that it will put people off offending, e.g.fines
- Reform; criminals taught not to commit crime again e.g.classes for drunk drivers
- Protection; protects society from criminals and their behaviour, e.g. prison
What are the arguments for capital punishment?
- A dead murderer can’t kill again so it’s right to take away their life
- It’s a powerful deterrent
- It’s expensive to keep people in prison
- Provides closure for the victims
What are the arguments against capital punishment?
- Wrong to kill in any situation
- What if the person was innocent there’s no turning back
- Executed terrorists will become martyrs and may lead to more violence
- Prison far worse to suffer in
What are the Christian attitudes towards capital punishment?
For;OT recommends it for certain crimes, in the past the church execute people, churches haven’t officially banned it, Thomas Aquinas said security of society was all important
Against;”thou shall not kill”, Jesus believed in giving people a second chance to reform, Jesus said “an eye for an eye” so it is wrong, only God can take away life
What are the Muslim attitudes towards capital punishment?
YES; only for adultery, apostasy and murder; Qur’an says CP is justified, Muhammad said it is legitimate, Muhammad himself passed the death sentence, Shari’ah law says it’s use is legitimate
NO; it is offered as an option it’s not compulsory, try to use other punishments instead
What are the problems with drugs and alcohol?
- Liver Disease
- Obesity
- Mental health issues
- Violence
- Toxic poisoning
- Social withdrawal
What are the Christian attitudes towards alcohol and drugs?
Yes in moderation; Jesus turned water into wine at wedding feast in Cana, St. paul said, “drink a little win for your stomachs sake” , Jesus used wine at the Last Supper, wine is used at Mass
No;body is a temple of the Hoky Spirit, Both Lot and Noah brought shame onto themselves through drunken behaviour, alcohol abuse destroys families
What are the Muslim attitudes towards alcohol and drugs?
Yes; some Muslims think there are worse things you can do than drink, so can drink in moderation
No; Qur’an says intoxicants are a way that Satan tries to keep people from God, Muhammad said anything which clouds the mind is wrong, Muhammad said you should neither drink nor sell alcohol
