The treatment of criminals

Question 1

What did the UN Declaration of Human Rights 1948 set out?

Answer 1

set out fundamental human rights for the first time, including:
no torture
fair trial
freedom of expression
punishment proportional to crime
etc…

Question 2

What countries do not always offer criminals legal representation?

Answer 2

countries operating Shari’ah law - does not permit trial by jury, use hadd punishments which infringe human rights

Question 3

How do countries that have adopted Western-type legal systems treat criminals?

Answer 3

fair trials with legal representation.
trial by jury.
judge ensures case is conducted fairly.

Question 4

what are the opposing Muslim views on torture?

Answer 4

• most opposed to torture- Prophet Muhammad issued several hadith condemning. majority of Muslim countries have signed the UN Convention Against Torture
• some believe is permitted under certain circumstances - Situation Ethics

Question 5

What is the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam?

Answer 5

2000 alternative document from members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Declares protection from torture and guarantees a fair trial

Question 6

what is some criticism to the Cairo Declaration of Human Rights in Islam?

Answer 6

has been aid to be an attempt to shield OIC member states from international criticism for human rights violations.
also fails to guarantee freedom of religion and justifies corporal punishment.

Question 7

SofA about torture

Answer 7

hadith: ‘truly, Allah will torture those who torture people in this world’