Crime and Punishment Flashcards
Why do we need laws?
We need laws if we are to organise society and everyone in it, and so that the weak are protected from the strong, people know how to behave and people can feel safe and live without fear.
Why do laws have to be ‘just’?
If laws are not just, then people will break them. If some are unjust, people will think all laws are unjust and unjust laws will lead to protests in society, disrupting normal life.
What are the four reasons why punish people with things like prison, fines, tagging and community service?
Retribution
Deterrence
Reform
Protection
Why is justice important for Christians?
- The Bible says that God will reward the good and punish the bad
- The Bible says we should behave justly
- Jesus taught that we should treat each other equally “treat others how you wish to be treated”
- Jesus taught that we should treated fairly, for example the rich give to the poor
- Many different Christian Churches have said that rich countries should cancel the debt for poorer countries
- Groups like CAFOD and Christian Aid work to justice for the poor in the world
Why is justice important for Muslims?
- The Qur’an says that on the Last Day, all Muslims will be judged, with the good rewarded and the bad punished
- The Qur’an teaches that God wants people to act in justice and in fairness
- Muslims have a duty to follow Shariah law, which has strict rules about justice
- The prophet Muhammad acted with justice
- Muslims do not charge interest on loans money as it is unfair to poor people
- Groups like Muslim Aid and Islamic Belief work for justice in the world
What are the arguments for capital punishment?
- If people know they will be killed if they commit a crime, they will be less likely to commit the crime
- The best way to protect society from dangerous criminals is to kill them
- Human life is so important that only payment someone can make is to get the death penalty
- Killing the criminal may be seen as compensation for the victim’s family
What are the arguments against capital punishment?
- No court can be 100% sure the criminal is guilty
- If you look at countries with the death penalty there is no reduction in the amount of murderers
- Most criminals don’t think about the punishment when they commit the crime, so won’t be put off
- Human life is sacred, and so we should not kill under any circumstances
- If we kill someone for murder, aren’t we just as bad as them?
- Life in prison could be worse than death anyway
Why do some Christians agree with capital punishment?
- The Old Testament teaches that capital punishment should be used for some criminals “whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed”
- St Paul said we should obey the laws of the government, this could include accepting the death penalty
- In the middle ages the Church used the death penalty, so it cannot be wrong
- Jesus never taught the death penalty was wrong
Why do other Christians disagree with capital punishment?
- It goes against the sanctity of life. Only God has the right to give life and take it away
- Jesus came to save and reform people, an executed criminal cannot be reformed
- Jesus taught that we should forgive and that revenge is wrong “turn the other cheek”
- It goes against the overall message of Christianity which is one of love
What is many Muslims views on capital punishment?
- The Qur’an teaches that capital punishment should be used for some crimes (murder, adultery and deserting Islam)
- Shari’ah law says that the death penalty can be given for some crimes
- Muhammad made statements that showed he agreed with capital punishment
- Muhammad sentences people to death for committing murder
What is other Muslims views on capital punishment?
- They disagree with how the death penalty should be applied
- The Qur’an says capital punishment is an option, but doesn’t have to be used
- The Qur’an gives strict conditions for capital punishment which are rarely met, therefore it should not be used
Why are Christians against all illegal drugs?
- They should obey the law
- They also thinks drugs abuse your body , which is like God’s temple
- Many drug users turn to crime which is wrong
- Drugs can make people behave badly and in ways a Christian should not
Why do most think that alcohol and tobacco in moderation are ok?
- Jesus used wine in his first miracle, and he also drank it at the Last Supper
- Christians drink wine during Communion
- The Bible does not forbid drinking
Why do some Christians not accept any alcohol or tobacco?
- This is because the Bible warns against any drugs
- They also think it causes too many social problems
- People only drank in Biblical times because there was nothing else safe to drink. We now have other options
Why do strict Muslims think all alcohol and tobacco are wrong?
- There body was created by God so it should be respected and looked after
- The Qur’an says intoxicants are forbidden
- Muhammad taught the dangers of using them
- The effect of drugs and alcohol would mean a Muslim would not be able to fulfil their duty and worship Allah
- Drugs and alcohol could lead someone to commit other sins
