Unit 8: Section 4 - Crime and Punishment Flashcards
Why is law needed?
To protect the weak To create peace for everyone to live in To be kept safe from criminals To be protected from violence To be able to live without fear To give guidelines on acceptable behaviour
What is justice?
Comes from the courts - they apply law fairly
Process of allocating rewards or punishments and upholding what is right
What is sin?
An act which goes against the will of God
Some are crimes - e.g. murder
Some are not - e.g. adultery
Defintion of law
rules made by Parliament and enforceable by courts
What are the theories of punishment?
Deterrence - to discourage someone from doing something that is against the law
Retribution - idea that punishment should make criminals pay for what they have done
Reform - punishment should help the offender see what they have done wrong and change, e.g providing education, skills = rehabilitation
Protection - punishment is to protect society from violent or dangerous criminals by keeping them in prison\
What are arguments against the theories of punishment?
Deterrence does not work - half of criminals reoffend
Retribution does not work - some victims feel the punishments are not severe enough
Serious crimes - retribution is never achieved for victims and their families
Reform is seen to go against punishment as it gives offenders more chances
Protection only works if criminals are in prison - many are released back into society
What are Christian teachings on justice?
God is just - people should behave the same way
Jesus taught the Golden Rule
On the Day of Judgement God will judge all humans on how they have behaved
Jesus taught that everyone should be treated fairly
How do Christians help with Justice?
Ensuring resources are shared equally
Giving to charity or working in areas of hardship
campaign for governments and organisations to help other nations
Helping the who are oppressed
What are Islamic teachings on justice?
On the Last day God will reward those who have been just and fair to others
Qur’an teaches that god wants people to act fairly to each other
Everyone is equal under Islamic Law
Justice is the basis of charitable giving in Islam
Why do Muslims work for justice?
To obey the Qur’an
To fulfil the Five Pillars
Muslims are encouraged to give Sadaqah
To please Allah
Definition of capital punishment
the death penalty for a crime or offence
Definition of judgement
the act of judging people and their actions
Definition of rehabilitation
to restore to normal life
What are the arguments for capital punishment?
it is deterrent to stop people from committing crimes
value of human life is made very clear by taking it away from those who kill
it can make people confess their crime for a lesser punishment
society can rid itself of its most dangerous
execution is retribution
What are the arguments against capital punishment?
Human life is special
Some people see execution as ‘murder’
Many people have been executed and later turned out to be innocent
Terrorist who are executed may be seen as heroes = increase terrorists attacks
What are Christians attitudes for capital punishment?
Old Testament teaches that the death penalty should be used for some crimes
Jesus never taught that death penalty was wrong
Middle Ages - Christian Church used the death penalty for those who challenged the authority of the church
St Paul teaches that Christians should accept and obey the laws of their country. This may include the death penalty
What are Christian attitudes against capital punishment?
Goes against sanctity of life - only God has the right to give and take life
Jesus taught revenge is wrong
Jesus came to Earth to save and reform people
The overall message of Christianity is love and forgiveness so capital punishment goes against this
What are Muslim attitudes for capital punishment?
Qur’an says that the death penalty can be used for certain crimes - murder, adultery
Shari’ah law agrees with Qur’an
Prophet Muhammad made statements suggesting he agreed with the death penalty
When Prophet Muhammad was the ruler of Medina, he sentenced people to death for committing murder
What are Muslims attitudes against capital punishment?
Qur’an states that capital punishment is only one option
scholars of Shari’ah do not agree when or how the death penalty should be applied
Strict conditions given by the Qur’an about capital punishment are often not met
In some countries Shari’ah has been seen to oppressed the poor and women who receive the death penalty for adultery
What are UK alcohol laws?
Children under 16 are not allowed into a bar/pub without an adult
Alcohol can be served 24 hours a day in licensed premises
It is illegal for anyone under the age or 18 to buy alcohol
Under 18s are not allowed to drink alcohol in a pub/bar except if 16/17 and having a meal
What are problems with drugs and alcohol?
Violence Overdose Debt Addiction Mental illness Unemployment
Why do Christians believe taking drugs is wrong?
Bible teaches Christians should follow the law of the land that they live in
Illegal drugs change a person’s behaviour
Drugs abuse lead to family breakups and makes people unsocial
Many illegal drug users turn to crime
Illegal drugs are illegal because they are dangerous
What are Christian reasons for drinking alcohol?
The Bible does not forbid alcohol
Jesus himself drank wine + miracle = turned water to wine
Jesus gave his disciples wine
St Paul told his friend Timothy to drink wine
What are Christians reasons for not drinking alcohol?
Drinking alcohol impairs a person’s judgement and their ability to act in a Christian way
Alcohol today is much stronger than in the past
it is best to avoid offending anyone so do not drink at all
There are many other types of drinks to drink
What are Muslim attitudes to alcohol and drugs?
Forbids alcohol
Qur’an says intoxicants are haram
Humans were created by Allah and people should look after their bodies and not abuse them
All Muslims should obey the law of the land where they live
Prophet taught about the dangers of alcohol and drugs
