Morality & Justice: Purposes

Question 1

Retribution paragraph

Answer 1

K- One … is retribution, which is when a criminal is punished for their crime.
K- An example of this is fines or community service as they are punishing in response to an action.
K- Utilitarians would argue that retribution brings about more suffering for not only the criminal, but for their families.
(OR)
Some christians would argue that Old testament “an eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:24-25) which justifies retribution as a punishment for some.

A- One consequence is deterrent values e.g. less likely to graffiti if you have spent 100 hours cleaning it
A- Another consequence is a criminal may actually be innocent after receiving the punishment

E- In my opinion retribution fuels the cycle of hatred causing more crime in response
E- I also think, in my opinion, retribution is allowing government crime and if people can’t do it then why can the government?

Question 2

Deterrence Paragraph

Answer 2

K- One … is deterrence which is when punishments are used to prevent others from committing crime.
K- An example of this is electric tagging and prison as they prevent others.
K- Utilitarians may believe in deterrence if it works as this would reduce crime and create more happiness.
(OR)
Some Christians believe they should forgive sins of others, in same way they believe God forgives their sins

A- One consequence is that crime will be reduced due to deterrence and therefore the justice system will be clogged up with less minor offences.
A- Another consequence is that crime becomes less prevalent in society meaning the public are safer

E- In my opinion, deterrence is better than retribution. Aims to put off crime before but the time retribution is served damage is done.
E- I also think, in my opinion, criminals don’t often think about their actions or deterrences when committing crime so it isn’t the best purpose of punishment.

Question 3

Protection Paragraph

Answer 3

K- One … is protection which is when criminals are kept away to keep public safe.
K- An example of this is prison as it keeps criminals locked up so they can’t recommit.
K- Utilitarians agree with protection as it aims to protect society and would create greatest happiness for everyone.
(OR)
Christians believe strong should protect weak. Need to protect innocent from harm, also need to protect criminals from harm to themselves

A- One consequence is criminals cannot harm civilians as they are in prison, protecting outside world
A- Another consequence is prisoners may not learn from being protected, ‘school of crime’

E- In my opinion, protection does nothing to reform or prevent criminals from acting again.
E- I also think, in my opinion, prison has become a dangerous place that punishes a lot more than a criminal should be.

Question 4

Reformation Paragraph

Answer 4

K- One … is reformation which is when criminals learn from their punishments and improve.
K- An example if this is reformation schemes in prison that teach criminals necessary skills for life.
K- Utilitarians may support reform as will bring a positive outcome for both offender and society.
(OR)
Christians support reform as they believe everyone can change for the better, no matter what they have done.

A- One consequence is that it makes the outside world safer for public when prisoners are out.
A- Another consequence is that criminals still have a record that makes it hard for criminals to restart, leading back to crime.

E- In my opinion, I think reformation is a good process as it allows criminals to start a new life outside of crime.
E- I also think, in my opinion, prisoners are there to be punished as they have committed illegal actions not to get an education.