Theme E Flashcards
Reasons for crime
- poverty and upbringing
- mental illness and addiction
- greed and hate
- opposition to an unjust law
- views about people who break the law for these reasons
- views about different types of crime, including hate crimes, theft and murder
The aims of punishment
- Retribution
- Deterrence
- Reformation
The treatment of criminals
- prison
- corporal punishment
- community serves
Community service
- punishment involving the criminal doing a set number of hours of physical labour/work in their local community
Corporal punishment
- punishment in which physical pain is inflicted on the criminal
Death penalty
- capital punishment, the execution of a criminal which is sanctioned by the state
Deterrence
Aim of punishment, the threat of punishment as a way to put a person off committing crime (e.g knowing they could go to prison of they steal)
Hate crime
a crime committed because of prejudice view about a person or group
Principle of utility
- the concept of acting out of the greater good for the most people (e.g removing a dangerous criminal from society in order to protect others)
Reformation
- aim of punishment, helping the criminal see how their behaviour was wrong, so that their mindset changes for the better
Retribution
- aim of punishment, getting the criminal back of their crimes
Sanctity of life
- belief that life is sacred/special because it was created by God, pr because we are each unique individuals
Unjust law
a legal requirement within a society that is believed to be unfair, a cause of crime if a person believes they cannot follow (or must act against) a law they believe is unjust
Good/evil actions of intentions quotes
Christianity:
“actions are judged by intentions”
“do not forget to do good”
“treat others as you would like to be treated”
Good intentions
- doing something for the right reasons
- being sincere and genuine
- Muslims believe intentions are taken into account on judgement day
- Christians and Muslims
Rewarded by God: parable of the cheep and the goats
Evil intentions
- desire to deliberately cause suffering or harm to others
- lead to people performing evil actions which are punishable
- bad actions- go against God’s will, e.g those named in the 10 commandments
Applications- intentions vs actions
- stealing from a shop so that you can feed your starving children
- lying to your friend to avoid upsetting them with the truth
- killing a terrorist to stop them murdering more civilians
What to theists believe about intention?
- God is omniscient, he knows the intentions behind your actions and takes them into account
- Someone who committed a crime but had “good intentions” may be forgiven whilst someone who had purely “evil intentions” may not be
Explain two religious beliefs about good intentions. (5 marks)
- Christianity: rewarded for good actions (Parable of the sheep and the goats)
- Islam: God judges you for your intentions and actions (Hadith)
Suffering quotes
Christianity:
“suffering produces perseverance”
Islam:
“you are sure to be tested”
“God does not burden a soul with more than it can bear”
What do Christians and Muslims believe about suffering?
- Intentionally causing suffering to others is usually seen as wrong- you will be help to account for this on judgement day
- Good can come from suffering and it has an instrumental value in our lives
- Suffering can test us, strengthen us and help us become better people
- teach us important lessons
- strengthen our character
- test of faith from God
- part of God’s greater plan for us
- some of it is the result of free will
- Catholics believe it is the result of original sin
When could causing suffering be justified?
- in self defence/protecting others
- punishing a criminal- part of the justice system
- if the end justifies the means
- if its the lesser of two evils
- to prevent future suffering
How do Christians/Muslims respond to suffering?
- praying and asking God for strength
- doing good to help alleviate suffering
- showing compassion to those suffering
- trust in God’s plan- faith and hope
- looking for the lesson they can learn
- could loose faith in an omnibenevolent God
Reasons for crime quotes
“clothe yourselves with compassion”
“all have sinned and fall short of the glory of god”
Why do people commit crime?
- upbringing
- poverty
- hate
- opposition to unjust law
- addiction or mental illness
- greed
Upbringing causing crime
Christians: need to educate children (one of Aquinas’ primary precepts, one of them in the education of children/being good people, duty to raise child in religion)
- reformation in prisons- crime was committed because they were taught wrong thing when little, teach them the right thing is prison as an attempt to reform them, upbringing wasn’t the best
- St Paul said - “bring up your children in the training and instruction of the Lord”
Islam: raise children within religion, first words baby hears are the Adan/call to prayer whispered into ear by father
- Hadith- “perfect their manners” prophet M
Poverty causing crime
Christian: “do not steal”, although does not say “do not steal unless your in poverty” so poverty does not excuse committing a crime
- “clothe yourselves with compassion” , Christians duty to help alleviate the causes of poverty e.g mother stealing to feed starving child
- supporting Trussell Trust food banks
Parable of the sheep and the goats- performing good works
Islam: - stealing is punishable by amputation under Shariah law
- give Zakat to help those in need/duty to help the poor
- opportunity for forgiveness/ focus on preventing poverty becoming a cause of crime
Hate causing crime
Christianity: crime committed because of prejudiced views
Christianity: hatred is always wrong, Jesus emphasised love and the golden rule (treat others how you would like to be treated)
- Genesis - all people were born in imago dei (image of God) its wrong to cause people harm because of your negative views against them or hatred - never justifiable!!!
Islam: hatred is wrong
- Hadith states “all equal like the teeth of a comb” all created by God
- god given purpose
Unjust law causing crime
- cause of crime if a person believe they cannot follow an unjust law
Christian: Martin Luther King Jr led passive resistance against unjust US law “use the weapon of love” - religious faith inspires them to protest/stand up against unfair and unjust laws
St Paul- “Submit to the governing authorities” no matter the rule, you shouldn’t break it
Islam: country under Shariah law - not break any rules because all God’s laws are just
- however Muslims may protest under unfair secular law
Hadith “all people are equal like the teeth of a comb”- if their is a law that’s treating people unfairly you could say it is your duty to stand up for that
Addiction/mental illness causing crime
Christian:
- try and help people get treatment for mental illness
St Paul- “clothe yourselves with compassion”
Sin and the sinner
Christians may condemn the sin (what the crime is) but show compassion to the sinner
- help cure/educate rehabilitate
Islam:
- Islam forbites drugs, alcohol and gambling as “haram” recognise the harm they cause
- preventative measure that recognises how they can be a reason for a crime
- although you can argue that is is then your fault if you have started using drugs/alcohol
Greed causing crime
Christianity:
- greed is always wrong “be on your guard against greed”
- worn to be aware of
- no excuse
- Jesus teaches Christians must be on their guard against greed
Islam
- greed is always wrong
“those who are saved from their greed are successful” Surah 64, no excuse life is a test
Muslims must avoid it
Types of crime
- hate crime
- theft
- murder
Hate crime as a type of crime
Christian views:
- wrong as people are made “imago dei” (lives a sacred- sanctity of life) , and should be treated with respect
- Jesus taught “treat others as you would like to be treated”
Islamic views:
- wrong as all people are made by God and their lives are sacred and holy
- should be treated with respect
- “all people are equal like the teeth of a comb” Hadith
Theft as a type of punishment
Christian: wrong as it goes against the 10 commandments ‘Do not steal’
- Violates one of Aquinas’ 5 precepts for the ‘Ordering of society’
- theft is unlawful and sinful
- situation ethics (a christian should do the most loving thing in every situation, mother/father steeling to feed child, if intention is loving, theft can be justified)- could justify? Jesus always prioritised love over the laws
Islam:
- wrong and is punishable under Shari’ah law “cut of the hands of thieves… as a punishment- a deterrent from God” if something is punishable, it is wrong
- lesser of two evils- stealing to feed starving child, lesser or 2 evils - justify..
Murder as a type of crime
Christian:
- wrong as it goes against the 10 commandments “Do not kill”
all human life is sacred and holy- humans are made “imago dei” they have sanctity of life
Aquinas: Doctrine of double effect - strike out to defend yourself, it is about your intention, good and evil intention
Islamic:
- wrong as all human life is sacred and holy- only God can take away life
“Do not kill each other” death penalty can be seen as a suitable punishment for murder under Shariah law, suggest murder is wrong because its punished with death, but also shows us that murder is used as part of the legal system
- self defence under lesser Jihad, sometimes murder is justified left defence, defence of religion or innocent people - comes down to intention
Retribution as an aim of punishment
- getting the criminal back for their crimes
Christian:
Support- Old testament “eye for an eye” someone harmed you, have every harm to harm them
“the wrongdoer will be repaid for their wrong”
Oppose- Jesus says to”turn the other cheek” and forgive “no seven but seventy seven times” Jesus emphasises forgiveness and mercy
Islamic:
Support- Qur’an “we prescribed them a life for a life, an eye for an eye.. t will serve as atonement”
Legal retaliation for crime is permissible in Islam under Shari’ah law. e.g capital punishment may be used for murder. This sends a message to wider society, reducing overall crime rates
Deterrence as an aim of punishment
- the threat of punishment as a way to put a person off committing crime
Christian:
Support- Pslam 89 “I will punish their sin with the rod” recognise need to deter the individual from doing it again and deter others from acting in this way
Oppose- against harshest methods e.g capital punishment (prison instead)
Islam:
Support- Quran “cut off the hands of theives…a deterrent” protect society, put people off crimes
“ensure that a group of believers witnesses the punishment” sends a message and reduces crime in society
Reformation as an aim of punishment
Helping the criminal see how and why their behaviour was wrong, so that their mindset changes for the better
Christian:
Support- “if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the spirit should restore that person gently”
“be merciful just as your Father is merciful” Jesus forgave criminals on cross
Oppose- some may not want to change
Islam:
Support- “if they repent and mend their ways… leave them alone” Surah 4
“If anyone repents after his wrongdoing and makes amends, God will accept”
Oppose- some crimes are unforgivable?
Prison as a treatment of criminals
Christian: - prison is an important part of the UK justice system as it provides retribution, deterrence, opportunity for reform and protects people “submit to governing authorities”
Prisoners should not be forgotten or mistreated- educate/pray for them. Jesus “i was in prison and you visited me”. Chaplains go into prisons, Christians pray for prisoners
Islam:
- Most Muslim prisons, which protect society from criminals. Prisoners must be treated with dignity, as all humans have sanctity of life. “God gave your life” Surah 2
- However, for some crimes, prison may not be seen as sufficient atonement or deterrence- “We prescribed from them a life for a like” Surah 5
Half of people that get put in prison reoffend
Corporal as a treatment of criminals
Punishment in which physical pain is inflicted on the criminal
Christian:
- Most christians would not support corporal punishment
Community service as a treatment of criminals
- punishment involving the criminal doing a set number of hours of physical labour/work in their local community
Christian:
- most Christian’s would support as it gives a change for reform. Christian’s believe that we are all sinful and deserve a second chance. ‘Forgive not seven, but seventy seven times’
‘Restore that person gently’
Important to teach criminals and help them to learn why their actions were wrong. It is about contributing to the community through unpaid work- it helps them to learn about doing good
‘Do not forget to do good’
Islam:
- most Muslims support in reformation of criminals as forgiveness it is important in Islam- ‘forgive others and God will forgive you’
However, Islam also emphasises the important retributive justice and deterrence. Community service may be seen as strong enough retribution or deterrence. For example ‘cut off the hands of thieves’
Christian beliefs about forgiveness
‘Forgive not seven but seventy- seven times’
‘Forgive and you will be forgiven’
‘Forgive them father, for them to do not know what they are doing’ (Jesus on Good Friday)
Christians believed everyone is sinful and needs forgiveness- ‘all have sunned and fall short’ we all need forgiveness, so should be forgive all that forgave us?
- Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross to bring forgiveness and reconciliation between god and humanity
- Christians should try and forgive others, even when it is difficult - this means they will also be forgiven
Jesus teaches that Christians should not tire or forgiving others ‘forgive not seven but seventy seven times’
By forgiving , Christian’s show mercy and compassion
Islamic beliefs about forgiveness
‘Forgive others and god will forgive you’ Hadith
‘God forgives all sins..He is the most forgiving’ Surah 39
- Muslims believed that Allah is compassionate and merciful. He forgives all people, therefore Muslims should too
Surah 4 teaches that if a person truly repents and mends their ways, they should be forgiven - People should try and forgive those who have wronged them, as Muhammad taught them to do so. - forgiving others means you will be forgiven by gOD
Islam is a religion of peace - community cohesion and social harmony is important, forgiveness also facilitates this
Forgiveness allows people to move on from what has happened and for criminals to be reintegrated into the community
‘We should always forgive’ 12 marks
AGREE
Jesus, the key teacher in Christianity teaches Christian’s to never tire of forgiving. ‘Forgive not seven but seventy seven times’. This emphasise the importance of always forgiving others. As thus teaching is given by Jesus, who is the incarnate son of God, it must be taken serious it Christian’s
Jesus forgave those who crucified him on the cross, showing we should always forgive those who cause us harm. ‘Forgive them father, for they do not know what they do’. We should follow the example of Jesus and forgive those who cause us great suffering
We should always forgive others, so that we can be forgiven from God. Everybody is sinful and needs forgiveness because of original sin- so we must always forgive others, as well. Jesus said ‘forgive and you will be forgiven’. This is why always forgiving is important for Christians
Prophet Muhammad teaches that we forgive others in order to be forgiven by God on judgement day. Hadith- ‘forgive others and God will forgive you’. Muhammad is the ‘seal of the prophets’- what he teaches is taken seriously by Muslims
‘We should always forgive’ Evaluate this statement 12 marker
DISAGREE
- Somr things may be unforgivable- Old testament teaches ‘if there us seriously injure you are to take life for life’. This suggests that there are certain things that are unforgivable, such as as murder. Furthermore, the existence of hell suggests that even God is not prepared to forgive certain actions - so neither should we
- We should only forgive if the criminal is genuinely remorseful for what they have dine wrong. The Qur’an says ‘ if they repent and mend their ways, leave them alone’. If they have not repented, they should not be forgiven. This shows that foreignness might be seen as dependent on repentance- if they don’t repent, we shouldn’t forgive them
Death penalty (Capital punishment)
AGREE
- the execution of a criminal which is sanctioned by the state
Agree: - principle of utility: an action is right if it promotes maximum happiness from the maximum number of people
‘ eye for an eye’
‘We prescribed for them a life for a life’
The Old Testament permits capital punishment for murder ‘life for life, eye for eye’ exodus
The Quran permits capital punishment for crimes susceptible as murder- ‘we prescribed for them a life for a life’ - provides a deterrent to stop others doing the same
- might be seen as appropriate retribution (fairness?)
Utility: protects the innocent population from danger
Death Penalty (capital punishment)
DISAGREE
- sanctity if life: all life is holy as it is created by God. Only god can take away life
‘If a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is from God’ Surah 42
‘God created mankind in his own image’ Genesis - Christians believe in the sanctity of life- life is holy and should only be taken away from God. Do not take life, even as a punishment for murder
Jesus emphasised the importance of forgiveness and mercy towards sinners
Whilst the death penalty is allowed under Shari’ah law, justice can also be established by alternative recompense and forgiveness
Muslims will be rewarded bt=y God for forgiving others. Forgive and show mercy if you are able to
