re Flashcards
What are the 4 main aims of punishment?
- Deterrence
- Protection
- Reformation
- Retribution
These aims represent different philosophical approaches to the purpose of punishment.
What do Christians argue in relation to punishment?
Reformation is the main aim
Christians emphasize the importance of reforming the offender rather than merely punishing them.
What is the principle of ‘an eye for an eye’?
It is a principle found in Exodus that suggests punishment should be equal to the crime committed.
This principle is often discussed in the context of justice and retribution.
What does Islam teach about punishment?
Punishment should deter and promote forgiveness.
Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of both deterrence and the opportunity for forgiveness.
What is forgiveness?
A decision to release resentment or vengeance towards someone.
Forgiveness is a key concept in many religious teachings, including Islam.
List 3 non-religious arguments against capital punishment.
- Capital punishment does not deter crime
- Innocent people may be executed
- It does not allow for the possibility of rehabilitation
These arguments focus on the ethical and practical implications of capital punishment.
What does St. Paul teach about forgiveness?
Forgiveness is essential for Christians.
St. Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiving others as a part of Christian teachings.
What is capital punishment?
When someone is put to death for committing a crime by the state.
Capital punishment is often a controversial topic in discussions about justice and human rights.
Who are Amnesty International and what do they believe?
An organization advocating for human rights, opposing capital punishment as inhumane.
Amnesty International campaigns against the death penalty globally.
List 3 non-religious arguments for capital punishment.
- Deters others from committing crimes
- Provides justice for the victims’ families
- Costs less than long-term imprisonment
Proponents argue these points to support the continuation of capital punishment.
What are Christianity’s arguments in relation to capital punishment?
Many Christians believe CP is wrong based on Jesus’ teachings.
This perspective emphasizes the sanctity of life and the possibility of forgiveness.
What does Islam emphasize regarding capital punishment?
Forgiveness and the opportunity to reform.
Islamic teachings stress the sacredness of life and advocate for humane treatment.
What does Judaism say in relation to punishment?
Punishment should deter and promote reformation.
Jewish teachings also emphasize the importance of justice and the restoration of the offender.
What is the definition of Crime?
An act against the will or laws, such as murder or rape
Crime can also refer to acts against God, such as adultery.
What is the definition of Sin?
An act against God
Sin can include actions that are also considered crimes.
Who can punish a Crime?
The State
Punishments for crimes are enforced by legal authorities.
Why do Christians believe in justice?
Because the Old Testament states ‘An eye for an eye’
They believe that punishment should match the severity of the crime.
What does Judaism say about justice?
The Torah discusses Mishpat (justice) and emphasizes that punishments must restore moral order
Rabbis interpret ‘Eye for an eye’ as fair compensation.
What is the role of laws?
To maintain peace, deter crime, protect property, and provide guidelines on behavior
Laws create a framework for societal conduct.
What does Islam say about justice?
The Quran emphasizes that serving justice is the best form of punishment
They do not encourage forgiveness in the context of justice.
Define deterrence.
The idea that punishments should discourage people from committing crimes
Deterrence aims to prevent future offenses.
What is retribution?
Getting revenge
In legal contexts, it refers to punishing an offender in proportion to their crime.
What does reformation mean?
Helping the offender reintegrate into society
Reformation focuses on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
What is the definition of justice?
The due allocation of reward and punishment; the maintenance of what is right
Justice involves fairness in legal proceedings.
Why should laws be just?
If a law is unjust, people may want to break it
Some people believe all laws can be unjust.
Give an example of why laws are needed.
To protect property and maintain order
Strong civilizations require laws to function effectively.
What did Thomas Aquinas say about law and justice?
He believed that humans use natural law to determine justice and that offenders should pay for their crimes in a just way
Aquinas emphasized the importance of conscience in moral decision-making.
