Morality & Justice: Responses to Punishments Of Crime

Question 1

Drawbacks of Prison Sentence?

Answer 1

• Prisons are expensive to run
• School of crime
• Effect on families

Question 2

Benefits of Prison Sentence?

Answer 2

• Reform programs for every prison in Scotland
• Deterrence
• Removed from society to protect citizens

Question 3

Religious Response to Prison

Answer 3

Christians, believe everyone can become good so reform aspect good

Question 4

Non-Religious Response to Prison

Answer 4

Utilitarians agree with prison as it aims to protect society and would create greatest happiness for everyone.

Question 5

Drawbacks of Tagging?

Answer 5

• Commit crimes during daylight hours
• Doesn’t always stop violence e.g. Lewis Singleton, 18 year old, brutally stabbed but curfew said he should’ve been at home.
• National Association of Probation Officers said “There’s still no evidence that it has reduced crime or prevented offenders from committing further offences”

Question 6

Benefits of Tagging

Answer 6

• Cheaper option than prison, costing around £2000 a year
• Reduces overcrowding
• Can be tracked within 2 metres of exact location

Question 7

Religious Response to Tagging

Answer 7

Christians, believe everyone can become good so the restorative aspects of tagging are seen as a good punishment

Question 8

Non-Religious Response to Tagging

Answer 8

Utilitarians disagree with tagging as it allows criminals out in daytime so society wouldn’t be protected and wouldn’t create greatest happiness for everyone.

Question 9

Drawbacks of Fines?

Answer 9

• Financial position
• High reoffending rates, don’t deterrent
• We may commit a crime without even knowing it so unfair

Question 10

Benefits of Fines?

Answer 10

• Prison costs down
• Deterrent, threat of fine enough to stop
• Some fines can be tailored, income may be considered

Question 11

Religious Response to Fines

Answer 11

Some christians would argue that Old testament “an eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:24-25) which justifies fines as a retribution punishment.

Question 12

Non-Religious Response to Fines

Answer 12

Utilitarians would argue that fines brings about more suffering for not only the criminal but their families aswell.

Question 13

Drawbacks of Community Paybacks?

Answer 13

• Is it right to shame people and make an example?
• ‘Soft option’
• Little protection to society, as out in community

Question 14

Benefits of Community Paybacks?

Answer 14

• Less overcrowding in prisons
• Rehabilitation
• Give back to community
• Lower cost than prison

Question 15

Religious Response to Community Payback

Answer 15

Christians, believe everyone can become good so the restorative aspects of community payback and the benefits to community are seen as a good punishment

Question 16

Non-Religious Response to Community Payback

Answer 16

Utilitarians agree with community service as it allows criminals to benefit community while serving a less severe punishment which creates greatest happiness for everyone.