Religious Attitudes Towards Crime And Punishment Flashcards
Define ‘Crime’
An offence that is punishable by law.
Define ‘Sin’
A religious offence.
Define ‘Punishment’
Something done to a person because they have broken the law.
Define ‘Retribution’
Punishment that seeks revenge.
Define ‘Vindication’
Offenders are punished on show to show that the law is right and must be respected.
Define ‘Reformation’
To change a criminal’s behaviour for the better.
Define ‘Deterrence’
To put people off committing crimes.
Define ‘Reparation’
To repay the debt to society.
Define ‘Protection’
Keeping the public from being harmed, threatened or injured by criminals.
Define ‘Young Offenders’
Someone under the age of 18 that has broken the law.
Define ‘Imprisonment’
When a person is placed in prison.
Define ‘Forgiveness’
Showing grace and mercy and pardoning someone for what they have done.
Define ‘Repentance’
Being truly sorry and trying to change one’s behaviour so as not to do the same again.
Define ‘Capital Punishment’
The death penalty.
Define ‘Community Service’
Unpaid work where the offender gives back to society.
Define ‘Electronic Tagging’
An offender has to wear an electronic device which tracks their movements.
Define ‘Fines’
Money payment as punishment.
Define ‘Probation’
An alternative to prison where an offender is allowed out and about with regular meetings with a probation officer. Movement is restricted however.
Define ‘Parole’
When a prisoner is released early because they have behaved well and accepted their guilt.
Define ‘Life Imprisonment’
A prison sentence that (theoretically) keeps a person in prison until they die.
Define ‘Early Release’
A prisoner is released from prison even though they have not served their full sentence.
Define ‘Shari’ah Law’
Islamic laws derived from the Qur’an.
Define ‘Prison Reform Movement’
A movement that ensures offenders are treated humanely in prison.
Explain Christian views towards the aims of punishments.
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.
Explain Islamic views towards the aims of punishments.
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.
Explain Christian views towards the treatment of prisoners.
Christians do not believe that punishment is wrong, but believe that it should be humane.
Explain Islamic views towards the treatment of prisoners.
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.
Explain Christian views towards the death penalty.
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
Explain Islamic views towards the death penalty.
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.
