Religious Attitudes Towards Crime And Punishment

Question 1

Define ‘Crime’

Answer 1

An offence that is punishable by law.

Question 2

Define ‘Sin’

Answer 2

A religious offence.

Question 3

Define ‘Punishment’

Answer 3

Something done to a person because they have broken the law.

Question 4

Define ‘Retribution’

Answer 4

Punishment that seeks revenge.

Question 5

Define ‘Vindication’

Answer 5

Offenders are punished on show to show that the law is right and must be respected.

Question 6

Define ‘Reformation’

Answer 6

To change a criminal’s behaviour for the better.

Question 7

Define ‘Deterrence’

Answer 7

To put people off committing crimes.

Question 8

Define ‘Reparation’

Answer 8

To repay the debt to society.

Question 9

Define ‘Protection’

Answer 9

Keeping the public from being harmed, threatened or injured by criminals.

Question 10

Define ‘Young Offenders’

Answer 10

Someone under the age of 18 that has broken the law.

Question 11

Define ‘Imprisonment’

Answer 11

When a person is placed in prison.

Question 12

Define ‘Forgiveness’

Answer 12

Showing grace and mercy and pardoning someone for what they have done.

Question 13

Define ‘Repentance’

Answer 13

Being truly sorry and trying to change one’s behaviour so as not to do the same again.

Question 14

Define ‘Capital Punishment’

Answer 14

The death penalty.

Question 15

Define ‘Community Service’

Answer 15

Unpaid work where the offender gives back to society.

Question 16

Define ‘Electronic Tagging’

Answer 16

An offender has to wear an electronic device which tracks their movements.

Question 17

Define ‘Fines’

Answer 17

Money payment as punishment.

Question 18

Define ‘Probation’

Answer 18

An alternative to prison where an offender is allowed out and about with regular meetings with a probation officer. Movement is restricted however.

Question 19

Define ‘Parole’

Answer 19

When a prisoner is released early because they have behaved well and accepted their guilt.

Question 20

Define ‘Life Imprisonment’

Answer 20

A prison sentence that (theoretically) keeps a person in prison until they die.

Question 21

Define ‘Early Release’

Answer 21

A prisoner is released from prison even though they have not served their full sentence.

Question 22

Define ‘Shari’ah Law’

Answer 22

Islamic laws derived from the Qur’an.

Question 23

Define ‘Prison Reform Movement’

Answer 23

A movement that ensures offenders are treated humanely in prison.

Question 24

Explain Christian views towards the aims of punishments.

Answer 24

Christians teach that it is right to obey the government and uphold the law “the authorities have been put there by God”. They believe that punishment is right when necessary but the main aim of punishment should be to forgive and reform. They do not agree with retribution.

Question 25

Explain Islamic views towards the aims of punishments.

Answer 25

Muslims believe that only Allah can forgive sins so punishment can not make good something that has been done wrong. Punishment should aim to deter others.

Question 26

Explain Christian views towards the treatment of prisoners.

Answer 26

Christians do not believe that punishment is wrong, but believe that it should be humane.

Question 27

Explain Islamic views towards the treatment of prisoners.

Answer 27

Muslims believe that crimes are against God and society, not just against the victim, so prison conditions are usually harsh. However the Qur’an requires that prisoners are treated fairly, because Muhammad was merciful.

Question 28

Explain Christian views towards the death penalty.

Answer 28

Generally Christians disagree with the death penalty. Although Moses said “an eye for an eye”, Jesus said “turn the other cheek.” They believe that “only God can give life and only God can take life away”. “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” - Lord’s Prayer

Question 29

Explain Islamic views towards the death penalty.

Answer 29

The Qur’an allows for the ‘Law of Equal Retribution’: a life for a life, execution. Only murder and slandering Muhammad carry the death penalty.