Theme E Crime and Punishment

Question 1

Parable of the Sheep and Goats

Answer 1

Jesus says that people will be separated ‘as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.’ - Those people who have served others will be rewarded in heaven.

Question 2

Death Penalty

Answer 2

Capital punishment, execution for committed crimes.

Question 3

Corporal Punishment

Answer 3

Punishment causing physical pain to the offender.

Question 4

Sanctity of life

Answer 4

Teaching that all life is holy and belongs to God in Christianity.

Question 5

Ahimsa

Answer 5

Buddhist teaching of non-harm.

Question 6

Retribution

Answer 6

Aim of punishment; getting the criminal back for their crimes.

Question 7

Deterrence

Answer 7

Aim of punishment; the threat of punishment as a way to put a person off committing crime (eg knowing they could go to prison if they steal).

Question 8

Reformation

Answer 8

Aim of punishment; helping the criminal see how and why their behaviour was wrong, so that their mindset changes for the better.

Question 9

Principle of utility

Answer 9

The concept of acting out of the greater good for the most people. (eg removing a dangerous criminal from society in order to protect others).

Question 10

Three Specific Crimes

Answer 10

Hate Crime - A crime committed because of prejudice views about a person or group.

Murder - Unlawfully killing another person.

Theft - Taking something without the owner’s consent.

Question 11

Reasons for Crime

Answer 11

Poverty - The state of being without the things needed for a reasonable quality of life; can be a cause of crime.

Upbringing - The environment a child lives in, and the instructions they receive, while they are growing up; can be a cause of crime.

Mental illness - A medical condition that can cause changes to a person’s behaviour; can be a cause of crime.

Addiction - Being addicted to/dependent on a particular substance; can be a cause of crime (eg stealing money to pay for illegal drugs).

Greed - Reason for committing crime - wanting or desiring something or more of something.

Hate - A negative feeling or reaction towards someone. This can cause people to use violence.

Opposition to an 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.