Religion, Crime and Punishment Flashcards
3 Types of Crime
- Crimes against the person, eg) Murder
- Crimes against property, eg) Trespassing
- Crimes against the State, eg) Terrorism
6 Causes of Crime
- Upbringing
- Mental Illness
- Opposition to existing laws
- Poverty
- Greed/ Hate
- Addiction
St Pauls view on Crime
“Obey the laws of the land”
“Love your Neighbour”
Where Evil comes from…
Christianity
From the abuse of the free will God gave us
Satan
Where Evil comes from…
Islam
Iblis the angel refused to bow to Allah, he was expelled from heaven.
He is now Evil, he tempts humans to do wrong.
Aims of Punishment
Detterence
Aim is to ‘put off’ the person from committing crime again.
An experience in prison is not enjoyable, so a person will not wish to go back inside.
Aims of Punishment
Retribution
This is taking revenge on the offender, almost ‘giving them what they deserve’.
In most crime cases, someone is hurt or angry.
For example, if someone is murdered, their family will want the murderer to be punished as a form of retribution.
Aims of Punishment
Reformation
Aim is to change the person, to make them better so they can rejoin society effectively.
Other Key aims of Punishment
Protection of society
Vindivation - Punishment used so law is respected
Repartion - Compensating society
ISLAM’s attitudes to…
Deterrence
Uses strict Islamic Law with harsh punishments to deter.
CHRISTIANITY’s attitudes to…
Deterrence
Not considered to have harsh punishments, they are often against death penalty.
ISLAM’s attitudes to…
Retribution
‘a life for a life’, pro death penalty
CHRISTIANITY’s attitudes to…
Retribution
Believe the death penalty is just as bad as murder, revenge not a good reason for punishment
ISLAM’s attitudes to…
Reformation
Shariah Law - harsh punishments help people change and learn from their mistakes.
CHRISTIANITY’s attitudes to…
Reformation
Believe education and counselling help reform a person.
Religions general view on suffering
Wrong to cause pain to others.
Love thy neighbour.
Examples of Alternatives to prison
ASBO
Community service
Probation
Views on punishment…
Christianity
Reform is most important. Humans should be treated with respect.
Views on punishment…
Islam
Believes the justice of Allah is most important, also think that mercy is important.
What is Corporal Punishment?
Using physical pain as punishment.
Views on Corporal Punishment…
Christianity
Most Christians believe it does not help people reform.
Views on Corporal Punishment…
Islam
“If a man or woman is guilty of adultry, flog each of them 100 stripes” Quran 24:2
How many Countries have abolished the death penalty in the modern day?
140
How many peple haved died from lethal injection in the USA?
Over 1100
How many countries currently allow the death penalty?
58
Non-Religous reasons For Capital Punishment
- “An eye for an eye”
- It brings justice
- Only way to truely protect society
- Its a waste of money and resources to have people serve life in prison
Non-Religous reasons Againist Capital Punishment
- Two wrongs dont make a right
- Innocent people can be wrongly executed
- Life is sacred
- Everyone desrves a second chance
Views on the Law..
Christianity
Laws of a country shouls be followed unless they are unjust
Law breaking is generally seen as comitting sin
Love your neighbour and practic agape
Punishments should be fair and just
Views on the Law..
Islam
Shariah Law should always be followed
Believe in seemingly extreme punishments in order to deter criminals
Worst crimes such as murder are considered ‘Hadud’
Forgiveness Quote
Christianity
‘Forgive not seven times but seventy times seven’ Jesus
Forgiveness Quote
Islam
“Whoever forgives then makes amends, his reward is upon Allah” 42:40
Example of organisation that improves prison life
Prison Reform trust
1981
