THEME E - Crime and Punishment Flashcards
What is a crime? What do most religions believe about crime?
Against the law of the country. Most religions believe that you should respect the laws of the country unless it goes against God.
What is the relationship between religious rules and laws with the criminal justice system?
Religions have their own rules and laws such as the 10 Commandments, these may cross over with the criminal justice system: “Thou Shall Not Kill”
What is a sin?
Offence against religion / God / breaking of a religious law
What is Sharia(h) Law?
Muslim countries base their law on the Qur’an and Sunnah (Way of life of Muhammad)
Name 2 countries that follow Sharia(h) Law:
Saudi Arabia
Iran
Pakistan
Iraq
Give 3 ways people are influenced:
1) Some people believe that your CONSCIENCE influences your actions – your inner sense of right and wrong.
2) Others believe that your ENVIRONMENT such as upbringing is the main influence on people’s behaviour.
3) RELIGIOUS TEACHING may also influence people’s actions especially the
belief in heaven or hell.
What is evil intention?
People intend to hurt others – you plan to do harm
What is evil action?
An action that has resulted in suffering
Give 2 examples of evil intention:
Murder
Terrorism
Give 2 examples of evil action:
Drink driving
Ignoring safety laws
Evil vs. Good in CHRISTIANITY
Christians believe that people were created in the “image of God” and initially were good. The Original Sin and the concept of free will or choice of actions has led to the idea that humans are responsible for their own actions. Christians however do believe that there are causes or reasons for crime or evil actions.
Evil vs. Good in ISLAM
Muslims believe that the devil or Iblis continually tempts people to be wicked, humans show weakness by failing to show self discipline. People make mistakes but they should resist temptation as God’s Law is more important and the belief that they will be held accountable on the DAY OF JUDGEMENT
Give a hadith quote on Evil vs. Good
“All actions are judged by motives”
Give a Bible quote on evil vs. good
“Do to others what you would have them do to you”
Give 4 causes of crime
Poverty
Upbringing
Mental Illness
Greed
Addiction
Hate Crime
Why might crime be caused by POVERTY?
There is no alternative to crime, no other way to get money to provide for yourself or family – cost of living crisis.
Why might crime be caused by UPBRINGING?
Parents, family and friends all have an impact for good or bad on a person’s behaviour.
Why might crime be caused by MENTAL ILLNESS?
Some people have no understanding of right or wrong actions.
Why might crime be caused by GREED?
People are selfish and only consider their own wants and needs.
Why might crime be caused by ADDICTION?
People addicted to drugs or alcohol may resort to crime to support their habit.
Why might crime be caused by HATE CRIME?
Reasons of prejudice, racism, sexism etc.
Christian beliefs about POVERTY as a cause of crime:
Christians believe that we should tackle the causes of crime and treat people with compassion if they steal out of desperation. Foodbanks should help prevent poverty and stop people resorting to crime.
Christian beliefs about UPBRINGING as a cause of crime:
Christians are baptised at a young age to show commitment of parents to religious life.
Christian beliefs about MENTAL ILLNESS as a cause of crime:
Christians believe that compassion is needed and help with illness rather than punishments.