Crime And Punishment

Question 1

Definition of crime

Answer 1

An offense which is punishable by law

Question 2

Definition of punishment

Answer 2

Something legally done to somebody as a result of being guilty of breaking the law

Question 3

What happens when a serious crime takes place?

Answer 3

First taken to the magistrate, then they appear if it’s serious before a Crown Court and the judge with a jury at a later date.

Less serious cases are dealt with before a magistrate. It might be a first offense or a serious road incident.

Question 4

Types of punishment

Answer 4

Custodial sentence
Fine
House arrest
Community service

Question 5

Beliefs and facts about Corporal punishment

Answer 5

For Corporal Punishment:

1. corporal punishment is a cheap way of punishing effectively
2. it is quickly administered/allows the convicted person to resume a normal life speedily
3. depending on the form of the punishment, it could have no long-
4. term negative effects/only the criminal suffers, not the rest of society which has to pay heavy taxes to maintain prisons etc

Against:
1. it destroys the innate dignity of human beings that is given to them by God
2. many atheists and humanists, as well as religious believers, would claim that it creates a society in which violence is not only accepted but actually encouraged
3. it destroys one of the basic human rights of integrity of the body
4. it encourages resentment and a desire for revenge against society
on the part of the offender
5. its effects on the person carrying out the punishment are negative/it desensitises the person and encourages a lack of compassion

It is physical punishment

Banned in 1948.

It was used in the forces and in schools beyond 1948. It was normally the cane, ruler or slipper in schools and any teacher could give this to a pupil.

Christians don’t like it. Why should you hit them when you could reform them and help them mend their mistakes.
God did not give them this right to harm people.
However, some people might say it’s acceptable - ‘He who spares the rod hates his son’ - from the Old Testament

It is still used in Muslim countries. Islam states that people should ‘stand out firmly for justice.’ This means physical punishment can be used.

In the Qur’an, it states that corporal punishment ‘must be proportionate, necessary and carried out publicly’

Question 6

Good and evil intentions and actions

Answer 6

The teachings in the Bible warn against having any evil or wrong thoughts or actions - ‘You have heard it was said to the people long ago “You shall not murder” and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement.’

Good intentions - many people would say that any action that supports the law is a good thing. But a good action can also include things that are not in the law (e.g. supporting charities). However, even though things like adultery is legal, Christians think it’s wrong

Bad intentions - evil actions include causing harm to people or even death. However, Christians don’t direct all this to the person but they link it to the devil, they are talking about the actual crime and how that’s wicked and evil. They think that it is sinful and against God.

Furthermore, Christian response - many Christians say that there is no such thing as an evil person. All humans make mistakes and are not perfect. The original sin shows that all humans have a tendency to do things that are evil even though they are not evil in themselves. God created good people and so they are unlikely to do something bad and if they did there would be a reason (e.g. psychological illness). They should therefore receive treatment for their illness while being punished for their actions.

Question 7

Christians’ justification to crimes

Answer 7

God put in lawmaking authorities and so there shouldn’t be any justification for committing a crime. They believe that laws are important as they keeps things in order in society. They get this from the Roman 13:1 - ‘Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which God has established.’

Question 8

Why people commit crimes (on the surface)

Answer 8

Poverty
Upbringing
Opposition to an unjust law
Hate
 Greed
Addiction
Mental illness

Question 9

Causes for crime - poverty

Answer 9

1. Some people live in poverty and so can’t afford essentials which can lead to some people stealing good that they can’t buy.
2. Even though Christians don’t like stealing, they are keen to make sure that nobody is so poor that they use poverty as an excuse for stealing. Pope Francis said “Focusing on poverty and sacrificing for the poor are the heart of the gospel. If Christians didn’t dig deep and generously open their wallets, they do not have genuine faith”

Question 10

Causes for crime - upbringing

Answer 10

1. Growing up in a household where crime is common may encourage young people to follow this path which would mean it wasn’t their fault but their parents.

Question 11

Causes for crime - mental illness

Answer 11

1. Some people may suffer from a mental illness that causes them to commit crimes. For example, kleptomania is a condition that makes people steal.
2. Anger management problems may lead to assault or murder

Question 12

Causes for crime - addiction

Answer 12

1. Addicts may resort to stealing in order to purchase drugs.
2. People who have drunk a lot of alcohol lose control which may cause them to get violent. In addition to this, most denomination do not forbid alcohol and so is not stopped but is not encouraged.

Question 13

Causes for crime - greed

Answer 13

1. Greed can lead to crime, especially theft or fraud. In the Ten Commandments, Christians are taught not to covet (which means they should not be jealous of what somebody else has).

Question 14

Causes for crime - hate

Answer 14

1. It can lead to violence or agression towards whoever the offender hates

Question 15

Causes for crime - opposition to an unjust law

Answer 15

1. There are cases where people have broken laws they consider to be unjust. For example, Rosa Parks in the Civil Rights Movement).
2. Many people think that any law that breaches human rights is wrong and should be changed, breaking the law to bring about change may be seen as acceptable.
3. Public protests - some people think that it is right to break laws that try to prevent public protests in order to try change a law.

Question 16

Christian attitudes to lawbreakers

Answer 16

1. ‘Do not judge others for you yourself will be judged.’ This is said by Jesus and it seems to imply that Christians should not be judge mental of those who do wrong but they do believe the law should be upheld.
2. Christians are generally against people breaking the laws of their country without just cause. The law is there to protect people and should therefore be respected.
3. However, some may be morally wrong and therefore should be challenged.
4. Jesus supports the law - Jesus told people to pay their taxes and not to disobey the law - ‘Give to Caesar what is is Caesar’s and give to God what is God’s.’
5. Many Christians believe that they should hate the crime not the criminal as there are many factors that may cause the criminal to cause the crime.
6. Christians support the idea of treating others with respect and dignity even if they have broken the law
7. Jesus refers to lawbreakers in the parable of the Sheep and the Goat. He tells his listeners that when they help a prisoner or feed a hungry person they do this for him. This could also be shown: ‘Treat others as you would like to be treated.’ This inspires Christians to treat prisoners with compassion and think to help them not to reoffend rather than just punish them. The quote from the parable - ‘I was hungry and you fed me… in prison and you visited me.’

Question 17

Hate crime

Answer 17

Crimes often including violence that are usually targeted at a person because of their race, religion, sexuality, disability.

Question 18

Christian attitudes to different types of crime

Answer 18

1. Christians disapprove of hate crime and murder. God created all humans with equal value and they shouldn’t be singled out. Jesus taught that all people should ‘love the neighbour.’ Neighbours means everybody regardless of their race, gender etc.
2. Paul wrote (echoing Jesus’ teaching) - ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus’

Question 19

Three Aims of punishment

Answer 19

There are three main aims of punishment which includes retribution, deterrence and reformation.

Question 20

Beliefs about Retribution

Answer 20

Definition - it should make the criminal pay for what they have done

“If there is serious injury you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise” - Exodus

This means that whatever pain the victim has gone through, the criminal should go through the same. For example, if someone was murdered, the criminal should be executed.

Question 21

Beliefs about deterrence

Answer 21

Definition - to put people off committing crimes

For example, warning them about stealing for example may stop them from committing the crime. Or people being executed in public may deter people from doing terrible crimes. However, Christians don’t think this is a good idea because they believe every human being should be treated with respect regardless of what they have done.

Question 22

Beliefs about reformation

Answer 22

Definition - to change someone’s behavior for the better

Christians prefer this punishment as it seeks to help offenders. It is hoped that their attitudes would change and they need to realise what they have done wrong. It can be done through counseling, meeting the victim, treatment or community service.

‘Do not take revenge my dear friends but leave room for God’s wrath for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay says the Lord’- Romans. This encourages Christians not to seek revenge but set an example by showing compassion. However, it should not be a replacement for punishment and is most likely that they are in prison while being reformed.

Question 23

Christian attitudes to suffering

Answer 23

1. Some Christians link suffering to sin. They may believe in Original Sin in which Adam and Eve’s sin have been passed down to us.
2. Many Christians think this life is a test before we progress to heaven and a perfect life wouldn’t challenge us.
3. We wouldn’t learn from our mistakes without suffering
4. The Bible talks about how good can come out of suffering - ‘We also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character and character, hope.’
5. Some people think that God isn’t loving because suffering exists but if they did intervene at one point and not at another, it wouldn’t be fair. Reality would be disrupted.

Question 24

Christians response to suffering

Answer 24

1. Helen Keller, a Christian writer and activist summed up the Christian responsibility to help those who are suffering - ‘We are never really happy until we try to brighten the lives of others.’
2. A Christian should be proactive about helping others. Jesus has set an example which should be followed. He demonstrated love and care for those who suffered.
3. The Good Samaritan outlines how Jesus expects his followers to help those in need. The story tells its listeners to help anyone in need even if it’s your enemy.
4. When Jesus is asked which is the most important commandment ne starts by reciting the Jewish prayer - “…And love your neighbour as yourself”

Question 25

Beliefs and facts about Prison

Answer 25

A prison is a secure building where offenders are kept for a period of time

Christians should encourage the aspect of reform in the prison system and be supportive of someone who has made bad decisions. The parable of the sheep and the goats state that when you help prisoners, you help Jesus.

While Christians believe that prison should be used as a punishment, many strongly believe that you should try to support them while in prison and are keen to see education and training facilities being used.

Question 26

Beliefs about community service

Answer 26

Trying to get the person to make up for what they ha e done and at the same time allowing them to put some of it right. It is through unpaid work for the community.

Crimes leading to this includes vandalism, minor assaults, benefit fraud.

It would also involve programs for medical conditions, drug abuse, help and counseling sessions.

Christians think it is good as it helps the person pay back and it also encourages work and a positive view rather than shutting people away in the prison system.

Question 27

Christian attitudes to forgiveness

Answer 27

“Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us” - Jesus is challenging his listeners to forgive not just their families but everyone.

“Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you not seven times but seventy seven times”. It is from the parable of the Unforgiving Servant.

Jesus tells his listeners that God will not be forgiving of you if you do not forgive others. Jesus also said “Do not judge others for you yourself will be judged”

HOWEVER, Christians do think they should face responsibility for their actions and that may often include being punished for their behavior.

“Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing” - Jesus demonstrates his teaching when he forgives those who killed him.

Question 28

Beliefs about capital punishment

Answer 28

FOR
1. Protects society - the killer doesn’t commit a second crime - between January 2007 and May 2015, 12 people were murdered by convicted murdered who had served their sentence and been released.

2. Saves money - cost of keeping someone in a prison is £24000 per year. HOWEVER, figures from Florida claim each execution cost $24m.
3. The Bible states “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth”
4. “Whoever sheds human blood by humans shall their blood be shed”
5. Execution is more humane than keeping someone in prison for life. For example, Gary Gilmore was found guilty and was given a full life sentence but asked for an execution.
6. If murderers were released, they would have some life to enjoy. If they are dead they can’t enjoy.

AGAINST
1. A person can’t play god - only god has the right to take life - “Vengeance is mine says the Lord.” This means we should leave this judgement to God

2. “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind” - Mahatma Gandhi said this - means you add further wrong to an already wrong action
3. It seems wrong to say that killing is a crime then kill the killer - hypocritical
4. The Ten Commandment state “Do not kill”
5. They may be innocent - they would be executed and you may find evidence later that the person is innocent. For example, Timothy Evans.
6. “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us” - forgive everyone regardless what you do.
7. “77 times” quote too

Question 29

How criminals should be treated

Answer 29

Should be treated fairly and justly:
Many people follow their religion when they help criminals or think about how criminals should be treated. For example, John Howard was a committed Calvinist (Protestant Christian) who inspected prisons. He found them disgusting and horrible and gave evidence to Parliament on how the conditions should be improved. He asked for essentials such as clean water, access to doctors etc to ensure the safety of the inmates - this shows that prisoners should be treated fairly and with respect.
Another example is Elizabeth Fry who was a nineteenth century Quaker who dedicated her life to improving the state of the British prisons. She wanted to reform the prisoners instead of isolating them. She was most famous for teaching female prisoners to read and write and held Bible readings for them.

Christians believe in justice and therefore Christians believe that Christians should be treated justly. They follow the example of Jesus who taught that Christians should reform sinners and not be judgemental in their attitude: “Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?’ - Matthew

As well as reforming them, some Christians would consider protection and deterrence is important which helps to ensure safety in society.

Unfairly treated:
Some Christians consider the Old Testament teachings to be as important as the New Testament and therefore they may believe that retribution is equally as important. They may think that Christians should be treated in a way that reflects the crime they have committed. It states in Exodus, ‘But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
Jesus recognised this teaching - ‘You have heard that it was said “Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.” But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.’

Question 30

Explain two religious beliefs about breaking the law in order to get a bad law changed.

Answer 30

Romans 13:1–7 requires Christians to obey the laws of the land because God has given them the authority to do however when a government law is against the law of God, it may be broken following the teaching of Jesus in Mark 12:15, Christians accept their duty of obedience both to the state and to God but God is the priority

Gandhi led a movement of civil disobedience against British rule in India/satyagraha was the name for his policy of passive resistance/‘he who resorts to civil disobedience obeys the laws of the state to which he belongs, not out of fear of sanctions, but because he considers them to be good for the welfare of society. The use of violence to get bad laws removed is contrary to the spirit of detachment that is at the heart of Hinduism and will generate negative karma.