Morality & Justice: Causes of Crime

Question 1

Poverty?

Answer 1

Person might commit crime as they are in poverty e.g. stealing food out of desperation

Question 2

Moral Issues from Poverty?

Answer 2

• Is it fair to punish if they are so desperate they commit crime?
• Impact of punishment if they don’t have money to pay fines etc.

Question 3

Christian View of Poverty?

Answer 3

• Wealthy should use wealth to ensure everyone has enough for their needs.
• Punishment takes into account circumstances

Question 4

Secular View of Poverty?

Answer 4

• Create a society where poverty is eradicated, meaning no need to commit crime of economic factors
• If we want to change we have to do it ourselves. Can be achieved by even small steps

Question 5

Environmental?

Answer 5

environmental influences
* Poverty
* Drugs
* Alcohol
* Gangs
* Social exclusion
* Boredom

Question 6

Moral issues from Environmental?

Answer 6

• Not just offender affected, could result in children being put into care too
• Raises issue of are we doing enough to help these people, so they don’t turn to crime

Question 7

Christian View of Environmental?

Answer 7

• Believe that in creating Kingdom of God on Earth they will then create a society in which crime would become thing of past

Question 8

Secular View of Environmental?

Answer 8

• World is what we make of it
• We have to live in whatever kind of world we create for ourselves
• We have responsibilities towards each other to ensure all have equal chance in life

Question 9

Psychological Factors?

Answer 9

Person may commit a crime due to a severe mental health issue that prevents them from realising what they are doing at the time

psychological factors
* Failures in psychological development 
* Learned behaviours of aggression
* Mental illness 

Question 10

Moral Issues from Psychological Factors?

Answer 10

• Whether the person can be held responsible for their actions
• Not premeditated and therefore punishing them as a form of deterrence would be ineffective
• Treatment of prisoners with mental health issues and their treatment in prison and the effect

Question 11

Christian View of Psychological Factors?

Answer 11

• Praying for someone to get better
• Ensuring there is enough help for those with psychological problems eg. Finances, NHS & Private care, Self-help groups & Support networks

Question 12

Secular View of Psychological Factors?

Answer 12

• Scottish Association for Mental Health – Offers help and support for addicts, unemployed & people struggling with suicide