Theme E GCSE Flashcards
define crime
any action which is against the law that has been out in place by the ruler of any state
UK - the government must get the approval of Parliament before any new crimes are written into law
discuss corporal or capital punishment
any punishment which is sentenced to cause physical harm is not allowed
what is civil law
concerns disputes between private individuals or groups i.e. divorce, disputed wills, tenants and landlords…
what does the bible say about crime
the Bible warns against any evil or wrong thoughts and intentions
Christians: any action that obeys the law is a good action however some actions can be good that might not be part of the law like donating or working for a charity
discuss evil
evil actions: cause suffering, injury or possible death i.e. murder, terrorism, child abuse, all of which are illegal
evil can be linked with the devil/Satan
Christians don’t necessarily associate all evil actions as having a direct link with the devil but more that they are morally wrong and wicked
how does Christianity view crimes involving violence against people
sinful and against god
give a quote about murder and judgement
you have heard it was said to the people long ago, ‘you shall not murder’ and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement
Mathew 5:21-22
what is the Christian response to crime and punishment
- may claim there is no such thing as an evil person
- all humans have a tendency to do things that are evil due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve and the cause of original sin
- If God created people to be good, they are unlikely to do something unspeakably awful unless there was a specific reason like mental illness for example
what do Christians believe about reasons for crime
- all crime is wrong but how wrong it is may depend upon why it was committed
- Christians believe there is rarely any justification for committing crimes especially as they believe God has put law making authorities in place
- laws are important for keeping order in society but you don’t have to follow it if it is morally wrong, causes persecution or is against God’s laws which come first
give a quote about law
let everyone be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except that which god has established
romans 13:1
what are some reasons for crime
- poverty
- upbringing
- mental illness
- addiction
- greed
- hate
- an unjust law
discuss opposition to an unjust law as a reason for crime
any breach of the law is wrong however some laws are deliberately broken if they are believed to be unjust. For example Rosa Parks in 1955 USA
Any law based on prejudice and discrimination and that breaches human rights is wrong and should be changed
discuss poverty as a reason for crime
welfare payments should cover living costs but sometimes they don’t resulting in people stealing food or essentials they cannot afford to buy
Christians condemn stealing but don’t want anyone to be poor so use poverty as an excuse
give a quote about poverty
focusing on poverty and sacrificing for the poor are the heart of the gospel. If Christians don’t dig deep and generously open up their wallets they do not have genuine faith
Exodus 21:23-24
discuss upbringing as a reason for crime
growing up around a family where crime is the way of life may encourage a young person to follow this example. Even parents might encourage this behaviour. Once they are involved in this it might be difficult for them to get away from it
discuss mental illness as a reason for crime
mental illness such as Kleptomania is a mental condition that makes people steal. Anger management also leads to crime. If the offender is seen as unfit to stand trail they are likely to be sentenced to be kept in a secure unit where they will receive treatment they need. Authorities will ensure justice is done
discuss addiction as a reason for crime
addicts may resort to stealing in order to purchase the drugs their body needs. Alcohol causes more crime than any other drug. people who are drunk lose control of their thoughts and actions and may commit acts of violence, DUI
Many Christians do not forbid drinking alcohol except for Catholics where drunkenness is a sin
discuss greed as a reason for crime
in the UK personal possessions and wealth as seen as signs of status. Greed can lead to crime such as theft or fraud. Christians believe they shouldn’t covet (be jealous of what others have) as mentioned in the Ten commandments
discuss hate as a reason for crime
a negative feeling or reaction which can lead to aggression and violence
discuss attitudes to lawbreakers
all suspected offenders are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty
- courts exist to ensure this happens fairly
what are Christian attitudes towards lawbreakers
- Christians are generally against people breaking the laws of their country without just cause. The law is there to protect people and make them feel safe
- their punishment should be as severe as the crime they committed
- they should be helped in order that they do not offend again
- Christians might hate the crime but not the offender as they have rights and these should be protected
- Inhumane treatment of offenders is wrong
- offenders should be helped to change their ways and not reoffend again
- parable of sheep and goats Jesus treated prisoners well
give a quote about lawbreakers
come you who are blessed by my father; take your inheritance the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was in prison and you came to visit me
Mathew 25:34-36
what are the two different types of crime
hate crime;
- violent actions against someone because of their race, religion, sexuality, disability or gender
- considered more serious because they are targeted at people rather than property
murder:
unlawfully and deliberately killing a human being
Christian attitudes to lawbreakers and different types of crime
- Christians condemn hate crimes and murder
- god created all people equal and no individuals or groups should be singled out
- Jesus taught all people should ‘love thy neighbour’ (Mark 12:31) and neighbour means everyone regardless of race, religion, sexuality, disability or gender
- Jesus mixed with people from all sections of society and didn’t turn anybody away
give a quote that shows Jesus accepted all
there is neither Jew nor Gentile salve nor free male nor female for you are all one in Christ Jesus
Galatians 3:28
what do Christians think about steeling for need
they may be understanding of committing theft for need rather than greed but they believe the needy should be cared for so they have no reason to commit crime. It is less serous then murder but it is still a crime and therefore wrong
Mathew 7:12 NT
do to others what you want them to do for you
what are the three aims of punishment
- retribution
- deterrence
- reformation
discuss retribution as an aim of punishment
- least positive of the three
- means to get your own back - society, on behalf of the victim is getting its own back on the offender
- early form of retribution in the OT is lex talionis meaning the criminal should receive the same injuries and damage as they caused to their victim
Christians do not now take this literally but interpret it to mean that an offender should receive a punishment severe enough to match the seriousness of their crime
discuss deterrence as an aim of punishment
- if offenders are seen to be punished for wrongdoing, the threat of a similar punishment might put others off committing crimes
- the threat of a ban from driving may deter people from DUI (driving under the influence)
- In Britain years ago people used to be punished publicly to deter others
Christians do not find this method acceptable particularly making extreme examples of offenders to persuade others to obey the law
believe all humans should be treated with respect regardless of their crimes
discuss reformation as an aim of punishment
- the idea that offenders will change their attitudes and become responsible law-abiding citizens
- this is done through group therapy, individual counselling and treatment, meeting their victims to realise the harm they have caused or community service
Christians prefer this type of punishment because it seeks to help offenders by working with them to help them understand their behaviour and how it might be harming society
this isn’t a replacement for punishment but should be done at the same time
discuss two quotes about punishment
if there is serious injury you are to take life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, bruise for bruise, wound for wound, burn for burn.
Exodus 21:23-24 OT
do not take revenge my dear friends but leave room for god’s wrath for it is written: ‘its mine to avenge; I will repay’ says the Lord. On the contrary ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink… do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good’
Romans 12:19-21 NT
give a quote about suffering
we also glory in our suffering because we know that suffering produces perseverance, character and hope’
Romans 5:3-4
discuss Christian attitudes to suffering
- believe they should try to help others who are suffering
- the bible mentions how good can come out of suffering
- Jesus taught that humans should love each other and care for those in trouble. He even condemned violence in self-defence because it is retaliation
- no one is perfect an Christians accept that they might cause suffering occasionally
- it is important that Christians ae honest to themselves, other and god and aim to repair the damage they have caused
- Christians feel they should follow the example of Jesus who helped many whom he saw were suffering and who taught that those who believe in God should help those who suffer
- Many people question why a loving God who cares about his people allows them to suffer
what do Christians believe about freewill
Christians believe that god gave humanity freewill to behave and do as they choose. If they choose to follow the example and teaching of Jesus and stay close t God they will want to make good choices which do not harm others
When people choose to behave in a way that harms other people and is not pleasing god there are consequences
what are the three types of punishment
- corporal
- prison
- community service
discuss prison as a type of punishment
- reserved for those who have committed a serious crime
- the main punishment is the loss of liberty
- most Christians agree that prison should be used as a punishment for serious crimes, many strongly support trying to support prisoners while in prison and are keen to see education and training facilities well used
discuss community service as a type of punishment
- given for offences such as vandalism, benefit fraud, minor assaults.
- gives the offender an opportunity to make up for what they have done and reform their behaviour
- Christians agree with this because it is positive and is about reforming
- between 40-300 hours unpaid work
- treatment programmes can also be offered as part of this for things such as drug abuse, counselling, therapy and education services
- 2007 CoE commended these programmes on a report
discuss corporal punishment
- to punish an offender by causing them physical pain
- many Christians disagree as they see it as breach of human rights legislation
- in UK its illegal but in some parts of the world such as Saudi Arabia in a Muslim community they will allow canning for such crimes like gambling or sexual promiscuity
- Legal in schools in UK until 1987
- Christians do not disagree with discipline - they see a positive need for it - however they might question corporal punishment due to Jesus’ teachings on love and caring for others
- Christians focus on positive sanctions and reformation
what are Christian attitudes to forgiveness
- a core belief in Christianity and one Jesus emphasised in teachings
- Christians are expected to forgive others regardless of what they have done and god will forgive them as a result
- many Christians think forgiveness is not a replacement for punishment
- it is possible to forgive someone for a crime they have committed and believe that justice is done if they are sentenced to a period of imprisonment but the aim should be reformation
- there is no maximum number of times a person can be forgiven. Christians believe there is no limit on the amount of love god shows to them and they should show to others
- as Jesus was crucified he said he would forgive those who were killing him as Christians believe we should follow the example of Jesus
- NEPACS based on principles of forgiveness and the reformation of prisoners. Supported by many Christians in the North East who raise money, volunteer in prison visitor centres or help resettle offenders once released
give three quotes of forgiveness
forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us - The Lord’s prayer
lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven time? Jesus answered I tell you not seven times but seventy-seven times’
Mathew 18:21-22
father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing
Luke 23:24
discuss the death penalty
abolished in the UK in 1965 as a temporary experiment and then permanently abolished in 1969
European community has made it illegal in all member countries
who was Timothy Evans
he was a man who was wrongly accused of murdering his wife and infant daughter at their home in Notting Hill, London
he was executed by hanging in 1950
Three years later the actual murderer John Christie was caught
what is one of the arguments against brining back the death penalty in the UK
- three people executed in the early 1950’s have been pardoned because new evidence emerged that they were innocent
- this is one of the arguments put forward by those who argue against bringing back the death penalty in the UK
discuss the sanctity of life in regards to the death penalty
- god gave life and only he has the right to take it away
- executing an offender is denying god’s right to take away the offenders life
- some Christians argue that as the death penalty is usually reserved for murderers who have already taken away life, they are being punished in a way that they deserve which god approves of
what is the philosophical principle of utility in regards to he death penalty
- an action is right if it promotes maximum happiness for the maximum number of people affected by it
- some Christians in this would argue that the death penalty should be allowed
- the principle itself does not support the death penalty on grounds of retribution.
