theme e - crime and punishment Flashcards
what is corporal punishment
punishment in which physical pain is inflicted on the criminal
what is deterence
aim of punishment: the threat of punishment as a way to put a person off committing a crime
what is forgiveness
letting go of the blame against a person for wrongs they have done
what is hate crime
a crime committed because of prejudiced views about a person or group
what is death penalty
capital punishment ; the execution of a criminal which is sanctioned by the state
what is the sanctity of life
belief that life is sacred / special because it was created by God
what is unjust law
a legal requirement within a society that is believed to be unfair; a cause of crime if a person thinks they cannot follow ( or act against ) a law they believe is unjust
what is the principal of utility
concept of acting out of the greater good for most people ( eg removing a dangerous criminal from society in order to protect others )
what is crime
action which breaks the law; can be against the person ( murder ) , against property ( vandalism) or against the state ( treason)
what is the law
the rules a country demands its citizens follow, the breaking of which leads to punishment
what are evil intentions
having the desire to cause suffering or harm to another deliberately
what are causes of crime
- addiction
- greed
- hate crime
-mental illness
-unjust law
-upbringing
what is an addiction
- being addicted/dependent on a particular substance ; can be a cause of crime
what is greed
- reason for crime- wanting or desiring something
what is mental illness
a medical condition that can cause changes to a person’s behaviour
what is upbringing
the environment a child lives in and the instructions they receive while growing up can be a cause of crime
what are the aims of punishment
- deterrence
- reformation
-retribution
what is reformation
aim of punishment: helping the criminal see how and why their behaviour was wrong so that their mindset changed for the better
what is retribution
aim of punishment; getting the criminal back for their crimes - justice
what is the treatment of criminals
- prison
- community service
- corporal punishment
What are resons supporting use of death penalty
- principal utility - protecting society from danger - thinking about the greater good
reasons against death penalty
- sanctity of life - all life is sacred as it was created by God - in Genesis it states “ humans were made in the image of God ( imago dei )
what do theists believe about intentions
- god is omniscient - He knows the intentions behind your actions, and takes them into account
- someone who commited a crime but had ‘ good intentions’ may be forgiven , whilst someone who had purely ‘ evil intentions’ may not be.
what are good intentions
- doing something for the right reasons
- being sincere and genuine
- Christians and Muslims believe in the importance of intentions - you should desire to help others and serve God
- Muslims believe niyyah ( intentions ) are taken into account of judgement day
what do christians and Muslims believe about suffering
- intentionally causing suffering to other is usually seen as wrong and those who do wrong are held accountable for their wrongdoings on judgement day
- however 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
- teaches us important lessons
-strengthens our character / soul - 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 it is 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
what are the Christian views of upbringing being a reason for crime
- duty raise children within the religion with strong morals and strong rules, st paul said “ bring up your children in the training and instruction of the Lord” , therefore Christians would believe it’s important that children are educated to become moral and responsible for their actions BACK UP WITH: one of the 5 Aquinas primary precepts is the education of children
- On the other hand, if a child has been brought up in a difficult circumstances then it is essential that they experience reformation/ second chance to become better people and learn from their mistakes. Tjis is why some Christians volunteer to go to prisons and attempt to reform them with education of whats good and bad.
what are the Muslim views of upbringing being a reason for crime
- similar to Christianity - they believe children should be brought up within the religion- first words a newborn hears is from the adhaan, the hadith from prophet Muhammad states that parents should “ perfect the manners of children” = once again parents have a duty to raise their children with good niyyah and morals , therefore it is the parents duty to teach right from wrong. If a crime has been committed and it is due to poor upbringing they can be forgiven and strive to reform
what are the Christian views of poverty being a reason for crime
- could be argued that the 8th commandment states “ you shall not steal” is for everyone therefore stealing is inexcusable no matter the circumstances
- HOWEVER st paul states” Clothe yourself with compassion” so some christians may believe it is their duty to help alleviate the causes of poverty eg food banks ( Christian Trussel trust food bank)
what are the islamic views of theft being a reason for crime
- stealing is inexcusable and is punishable by amputation in the Shariah law
- BUT many Muslims aim to also alleviate the causes of poverty and prevent a life of crime so zakah ( one of the 5 pillars of islam) given to help those in need so is seen as a duty to help the poor
what are the Christian views of hatred being a reason for crime
- hatred is always wrong and is unjustifiable - jesus emphasised agape love, especially as he expressed for us during his crucifixion to remove original sin therefore he expects us to “ treat others as we would like to be treated”
- all people are made in imago dei ( image of God ) so it would be wrong and against the teaching of Genesis to cause harm to people because of their beliefs and race as God intentionally made each one of us to fulfil good in this world
what are the islamic views of hate being a reason for crime
- hatred is wrong - the hadith states ‘ all people are equal like the teeth of a comb” - all our souls have a value as God has purposelly created each of us with a God - given purpose.
what are the Christian views of unjust law being a reason for crime
- Christian faith inspires them to protest against / stand up against unjust laws. EG Martin Luther King Jr led passsive resistance against unjust US law and stated “ use the weapon of love” and use their reasoning to make the right judgement on when to stand up to injustice
- BUT St Paul said ,” submit to the governing authorities’ - laws are there for a reason to protect people from society ( retribution and principle of utility ), which aims to prevent harm for the greater good .
what are the islamic views of unjust law being a reason for crime
- in an islamic country run by shariah law muslims would believe that they shouldnt break any of the rules as none of God’s rules can be unjust
- HOWEVER muslims may protest in an unfair secular law, God has given us ability to reason and it is your duty to stand up for those who are oppressed or in need - if there is a law that is discriminative the hadith states , “ all people are equal like the teeth of a comb”
what are the Christian views of addiction being a reason for crime
- aim to help reform people and encourage treatment - st paul says “Clothe yourself with compassion” - christians may condemn the sin but will aim to help the sinner to reform and compassion
what are the islamic views of addiction being a reason for crime
-also believes inworking together to help and treat people but the religion forbids alcohol , drugs as haram and believes that if a person has caused a harm under the influence of an addiction then the person must be responsible
what are the christian views of greed being a reason for crime
- greed is always wrong, Jesus states “ be on your guard against greed’. - there is no excuse
what are the islamic views of greed being a reason for crime
- Greed is always wrong - “ those who are saved from greed are successful” - Surah 64- Msulims must avoid greed
what are the Christian views on Hate crime
- wring as all people are made ‘imago dei’ and therefore using the sanctity of life, their lives are sacred and special as all life has been purposefully made by God as a result all people must be treated with respect - “treat others as you would like to be treated “ ( Jesus)
what are the islamic views on Hate crime
- wrong as all people are made and created by God - their lives are sacred and holy and should be treated with respect. “ All people are equal like the teeth of a comb” ( Hadith)
what are the Christian views on theft
- wrong as it goes against the 10 commandments - “ Do not steal”
- violates one of Aquinas’ 5 precepts - “ ordering of society”
- theft is unlawful and sinful as it goes against divine demands
- BUT COULD BE ARGUED USING THE SITUATION OF ETHICS - a christian should always do the most loving thing in every situation eg if in dire poverty - if they have good, loving intentions for stealing eg to feed a starving person, theft could be justified
what are the islamic views on theft
- seen as wrong and punishable under shari’ah law . “ cut off the hands of thieves.. as a punishment - a deterrent from God” - shows that theft is punishable and therefore is wrong and inexcusable as it is taking something that is not yours
- BUT it could be argued using the lesser of two evils concept that if you are in dire need or starving from poverty whiile theivery is wrong it is also wrong to cause suffering to another, and so it could be suggested that in some circumstances it is permissible
what are the Christian views on Murder
- wrong as it goes against 10 commandments ( divine commands) - “ thou shalt not kill”
- all human life is sacred and holy- humans being made in ‘imago dei ‘ , they have sanctity of life - all life is given by God and therefore can only be taken by God
HOWEVER, it could be justified in self-defence, which is Aquinas doctrine of double effect - it is about your intentions ( if u intend to save yourself or someone else it could be justfied )
what are the islamic views on theft
- wrong as all life is sacred and holy - only God can take away life.
- ” do not kill each other” ( surah 4) - divine command so must be wrong
- the death penalty can be seen as a suitable punishment for murder under shariah law - however could be argued that using murder to detter people from murder is unlawful and could potentially lead to belief that murder is used as the legal system therefore a place for murder in society
- self defence under lesser Jihad “fight in the way of God those who fight you, but do not overstep the limit”- sometimes murder is justified if in self defence of yourself , another person of religion and your niyyah (intentions)
what is the christian view for retribution as an aim of punishment
support : in the old testament it states “ an eye for an eye” - exodus
- closure is needed in order to move on
- “ the wrongdoer will be repaid for their wrongs” - cOLOSSIANS
BUT the New Testament states from Jesus: “ TURN THE OTHER CHEEK” and forgive “ not seven times but seventy-seven times’ Jesus emphasises forgiveness and mercy - this is accepted by Christians as Jesus is the source of authority for Christians and he is the incarnate son of God.
what are the islamic views on retribution as an aim of punishment
SUPPORT : Qur’an states: “ we prescribe them a life for a life, an eye for an eye.. it will serve as atonement” - surah 5- important for muslims as the Qur’an is the infallible , inherent word of Allah
ALSO legal retaliation for crimes is peermissible in islam under the Shariah law. EG capital punishment may be used for murder , this acts as a deterrent to wider society therefore reducing overall crime rates
what are the Christian views on deterrence as an aim of punishment
SUPPORT: pslam 88 : “ i will punish their sin with the rod’ - recognise the need to deter the individual from doing it again and deters others from following the wrong path.
OPPOSE: against harshest methods eg capital punishment as they believe in the sanctity of life and teachingas of “ clothe yourself with compassions” ( prison instead )
what are the islamic views on detternt being used as an aim of punishment
-Qur’an : “ cut off the hands of thieves… a deterrent” surah 5
- ” ensure that a group of believers witness the punishment ( surah 24) - sends a message to the community and reduces the crime rate in society as the deterrent acts as a large form of authority
what are the Christian views on reformation
support: “ if someone is caught in a sin you who live by the spirit should restore that person gently”( st pauls) - a duty for christians to forgive and show compassion even to those who have sinned. EVERYONE IS ALSO A SINNER SO EVERYONE DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE. CHRISTIANS SHOULD AIM TO EDUCATE THOSE TO DO RIGHT INSTEAD OF WRONG
” be merciful just as your father is merciful ‘ (Jesus) - Jesus forgave criminals on the cross
OPPOSE: some may not want to change
what are the ISLAMIC views on REFORMATION
SUPPORT: “ if they repent and mend their ways… leave them alone” ( surah 4) - Muslims must strive to educate people and show them the error of their ways to help them reform and follow the right path by showing compassion, in the long term this can help the sinner and the helper to both achieve Jannah as their niyyah was to help society
” if anyone repents after his wrongdoing and makes amends, God will accept “ ( surah 5 )
OPPOSE: some crimes are unforgivable eg genocide and murder which is inexcusable and should be faced with capital punishment
what are the Christian view on prisons as a treatment of criminals
prison is important part of the uk justice system - it provides retribution, deterrence , and opportunity for reform and protects people : “ submit to the governing authorities”
- prisoners should not be forgotten or mistreated - educate / pray for them . Jesus in the parable of sheep and goats: “ i was in prison and you visited me”
what are the islamic views on prisons as the treatment of criminals
- most muslim prisons which protect society from criminals treat prisoners with dignity as all humans have the sanctity of life - “ God gave you life ( surah)
however, for some crimes, prison may not be seen as sufficient atonement or deterrence “We prescribed to them a life for a life “ (surah 5)
what are the Christian views on corporal punishment
- most Christians would no support corporal punishment because of the harm it causes- Jesus taught to “ turn the other cheek” and forgive. Christians should be merciful. just as jesus said “Be merciful as your father is merciful’
DESMOND TUTU STATES.”to take a life when a life has been lost is revenge , not justice”
However, some Christians argue that it is acceptable - psalm 89: “I will punish their sin with a rod
what are the islamic views on corporal punishment
- Muslims may support corporal punishment based on the teaching of the Qur’an - “ cut off the hands of the thieves, as a punishment for what they have done - a deterrent from God” (Surah 5) - serves as a form of retribution and deterrence and is commonly used in Iran and Saudia Arabia
HOWEVER, A STUDY FROM 2012 SHOWED THAT STATES WHICH USED CORPORAL PUNISHMENT EG DEATH PENALTY HAVE A SIMILAR MURDER RATE TO STATES THAT DONT USED IT AS A THREAT, SUGGESTING THAT IN FACT THERE IS NO POWER OVER CORPORAL PUNISHMENT AND DOESNT DECREASE CRIME RATES.
what are the Christian views on community service
- Most Christians would supports as it gives a chance for reform. Christians believe that we are all sinful and deserve a second chance like jesus who forgave the criminals on the cross - “ forgive not seven times but seventy-seven times “
- ” restore that person gently” ( St Paul) - important to teach criminals and help them to learn why their actions were wrong, it is about contributing to the community through unpaid work and helps them to learn about doing good ( “ do not forget to do good “ - Hebrews )
what are the islamic views on community service
- most Muslims support the reformation of criminals as forgiveness is important in Islam - “ forgive others and God will forgive you “ ( hadith)
BUT - Islam also emphasises the i, importance of retributive justice and deterrence. Community service may not be seen as strong enough retribution or deterrence. For example “ cut off the hands of the thieves ( surah 5. )hold an authoritative power over society ensuring that others do not commit crimes.
what are points to agree death penalty should be kept
- fitting punishment for heinous crimes
- protects society and removes a threat that could potentially cause greater harm - principle utility - taking actions for the greater good
- if you remove someone’s life, you remove the right for your own to be protected and so removing a person from society will ensure no more heinous crimes are commited
what are points against death penalty
- ultimate denial of human rights - the right to life ( article 3 )
- the right not to be tortured or subjected to cruel , inhuman and degrading punishment
- doesn’t deter crime - 2012 survey showed that states which use the death penalty have the same murder rates as countries that don’t use death penalty
- it is irreversible and mistakes can happen, the risk of executing an innocent person can never be eliminated - since 1976 , 195 US death row prisoners have been exonerated for their crimes
- doesnt attack the root cause if the crime committer is dead
- killing someone to deter people from killing is hypocritical
- dostyvesky states that death penalty removes hope which is essential for humanity - “ the agony resides in the fact that there is no escape”
- desmond tutu states ‘ to take a life when a life has been lost is revenge, not justice”
what is atonement
repenting sins and being one with God
what is salvation
- save one’s soul from sin - by restoring faith in Jesus
what is reconciliation
making amends for sin/ restoring relationship which was made possible and Jesus removed original sin from his act of salvation
which religious group believes in what act of punishment for prisons
- liberal Christians - rehabilitation
conservative Christians - detterent
muslims - rehabilitation
what act of punishment does the uk prison system believe in
rehabilitation
reformation
