Matters Of Life And Death Flashcards
(86 cards)
1
Q
Why is abortion such a controversial issue?
A
- There are disagreements around when life begins. Some believe it begins at conception.
- There are disagreements about when a foetus is considered a human life with rights. Some believe foetus in the womb has the same rights as the moth while others believe the foetus only has rights after has been born.
- There are disagreements about who has the right to choose what happens to the foetus. Some believe only God can choose, while others believe it is the mother’s choice as she carries the baby for 9 months. There are other’s who believe it should also be the father’s choice.
2
Q
How would a woman be effected by an unwanted pregnancy. Positives?
A
- Have always wanted a child and now they can have one, albeit, unexpected.
- Experience joy and love – unconditionally.
3
Q
How would a woman be affected by an unwanted pregnancy? Negatives?
A
- Develop mental health issues.
- Risk to the mother’s physical health.
- Damage to career prospects.
- Strain on finances.
- Puts plans for the future on hold or have to be
cancelled. - Causes upset within the family, either from
parents, partner or current children.
4
Q
Can you suggest some circumstances where abortion is acceptable?
A
- If the child is physically disabled.
- If the parents aren’t financially stable to raise the child
- The couple simply do not want children.
- The pregnancy is a result of rape.
5
Q
Pro life arguments (Arguments against abortion)
A
- All human life is of equal value, even a foetus or an embryo.
- The foetus is a potential human being and so has the right to life.
- A foetus is not the same as a kidney or a leg; it’s not just part of a woman’s body, but a separate person with a right to life.
- A foetus is an innocent human being and killing an innocent human being is wrong.
- Medical professionals should seek to respect and preserve all human life (Hippocratic Oath).
- Abortion can damage the long term physical and emotional health of women.
- People should take responsibility for their actions- having sex can lead to pregnancy.
- If there is disability, social problems, etc. surrounding the pregnancy- compassion is the right response.
- If women were not able to have abortions so easily available, the government could invest more money in supporting mothers.
- It is better to have the child adopted than to terminate an unborn foetus.
6
Q
Pro choice arguments (arguments for abortion)
A
- An embryo is a cluster of cells and not an actual human being.
- The woman should be regarded as a person and not just a container for the foetus.
- Banning abortion puts women at risk by forcing them to use illegal and back-street abortionists.
- A women may not be able to cope with the birth of a baby if she has been raped, or is too young, or is mentally incapable of continuing the pregnancy.
* It is kinder to abort the foetus if it will be severely disabled. - A women has a right to choose what happens to her body.
- Every child has the right to be wanted, loved and cared for.
7
Q
Is a fetus a separate human being? Yes?
A
- The foetus has a heartbeat from 6 weeks. Life is considered to end when the heartbeat stops so surely life would begin when the heart starts to beat, therefore considered a human life.
- The church states that life begins at conception so the foetus must be considered a human being from this point.
- A foetus has its own DNA, separate from that of the mother, therefore it should be considered as a human being.
8
Q
Is a fetus a separate human being? No?
A
- A foetus isn’t viable until it can survive on its own outside the womb. If it can’t survive independently, how can it be considered a separate being?
- A foetus isn’t fully formed until birth so isn’t a human being until it reaches this stage.
- Many people do not consider a foetus a life until it has been born as it is not separate from the mother until birth.
9
Q
Is abortion legal in Northern Ireland?
A
LEGAL
Has been legal since 2020.
Can be performed up to 12 weeks – can be carried out up to 24 weeks where there is a risk to the pregnant woman.
10
Q
Is abortion legal in Ireland?
A
LEGAL
Has been legal since 2018.
Can be performed up to 12 weeks – Health Act 2018.
11
Q
Is abortion legal in Scotland?
A
LEGAL
Can be performed up to 24 weeks under certain conditions – Abortion Act
1967.
12
Q
Is abortion legal in England?
A
LEGAL
Can be performed up to 24 weeks – Abortion Act 1967.
13
Q
Is abortion legal in wales?
A
LEGAL
Can be performed up to 24 weeks – Abortion Act 1967.
14
Q
3 statistics about abortion?
A
There were 214,256 abortions in 2021 – the highest number since the abortion act was introduced.
The abortion rate from women decreased in 2021.
99% of abortions were funded by the NHS in 2021.
15
Q
Reasons for an INCREASE in abortion
A
- Attitudes are more relaxed towards sex and people do not always think of the outcomes.
- More women are thinking about their career
and wanting to delay motherhood. - Abortion is easily accessible in the UK. Since
March 2020, it has been temporarily approved for women in England & Wales to take abortion medications at home.
Ultrasound scans can show problems early in a pregnancy.
It is lawful so is seen as acceptable.
16
Q
Reasons for a DECREASE in abortion?
A
- More government support for, and less stigma attached, to single-parent families.
- More acceptable for couples to be unmarried and have a family.
- Greater sex education today and contraception is widely available.
- There are medical developments and support for those born with a disability.
17
Q
The Bible and abortion
A
So God created human beings, making them to be like himself.’ - The Bible teaches that all life is sacred, created by God. This includes the life of the unborn.
‘Yet you brought me out of the womb.’ - God is the author of life.
‘For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb … Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book …’ - The unborn child is God’s creation. God has a plan for every human life.
‘This is what the Lord says – he who made you, who formed you in the womb …’ - Life is God’s
creation.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.’ - God has a plan for every human life. All life is God-given.
‘When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.’ - The unborn child has awareness.
‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ - Adults are not more important than children – all life is equal.
‘But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased.’ - God has a plan for every human life – decided before creation. All human life is valuable and has purpose.
18
Q
Alternatives to abortion?
A
Keep the baby - The shame and stigma attached to being unmarried and pregnant is old fashioned. Many pregnant women now remain single or cohabit. There is also more government support available. Some choose to keep the baby as they see the child as a gift.
Adoption - Some who are against abortion will have the baby, then give it up for adoption. This allows another person or couple to experience parenthood. They will become its legal parent(s) and raise them as their own.
Fostering - The child is placed in the temporary care of another family until the parent(s) are able to look after the child. This can be for a few days or an extended period of time.
19
Q
What is euthanasia?
A
Euthanasia is the ending of a person’s life deliberately, for compassionate/ loving reasons; usually because someone is terminally ill or in great pain. It is also referred to as mercy killing.
20
Q
What is active euthanasia?
A
Directly and deliberately causing the patient’s death to alleviate pain.
Example – Giving a patient a lethal injection.
21
Q
What is passive euthanasia?
A
Withdrawing or withholding medical treatment to deliberately allow a patient to die.
Example – Taking a patient off a life support machine and allowing them to die.
22
Q
What is voluntary euthanasia?
A
Euthanasia is carried out at the request of the person who dies.
Example – a patient will voice their wish to die by means of euthanasia.
23
Q
What is non-voluntary euthanasia?
A
The person cannot make a decision or make their wishes known regarding euthanasia, and someone makes the decision on their behalf.
Example – The patient may be in a coma so family members may make the decision.
24
Q
Why is euthanasia so controversial?
A
Is it ever right for another person to end the life of a terminally ill patient who is in severe pain or enduring other suffering?
Is there any moral difference between killing someone and letting them die?
If euthanasia is sometimes right, under what circumstances is it right?
Does an individual who has no hope of recovery have the right to decide how and when to end their life?
25
Where is euthanasia legal?
It is legal in the uk and Ireland along with Netherlands.
26
What is punishable under UK law and what is the punishment for administering euthanasia?
Assisting, aiding or counselling somebody in relation to taking their own life. This is punishable by 14 years’ imprisonment.
27
Outline the law regarding euthanasia in the Netherlands?
Doctors can administer a lethal dose of muscle relaxants an terminally ill patients at the patient’s request.
There are criteria that must be met before euthanasia can be satisfied that the patient’s suffering is unbearable and no prospect of improvement.
28
Countries that are for and against the use of euthanasia.
Netherlands – LEGAL
Only legal in cases of hopeless and unbearable suffering. Legalised in April 2001. The first country to legalise euthanasia.
Canada – LEGAL
The first Commonwealth country to legalise assisted dying – passed a law in June
2016.
China – ILLEGAL
Active euthanasia has been discussed from 1980 as some people and medical workers accept it. However, it is still illegal.
Brazil – ILLEGAL
Euthanasia is considered homicide and treated as a crime.
UK – ILLEGAL
Doctors found to be assisting a suicide can be jailed up to 14 years.
Suicide Act 196.
New Zealand – LEGAL
The law for terminally ill adults came into effect in November 2021.
29
Arguments for euthanasia?
* We all have the right to life, so we should all have the right to die.
* It is more humane to end the pain of someone who is suffering unbearably; it allows them to die with
dignity. We do this with animals, so why not with humans?
* If someone is terminally ill or there is no hope of recovery and they wish to die, surely this would be the lesser of two evils.
* Euthanasia is legal in other parts of the world- Netherlands and Switzerland- so why not in the UK?
* In some cases the quality of a person’s life may be so poor, so it can be the more loving thing to do.
* The greater majority of UK citizens would like to have the option of euthanasia available.
30
Arguments against euthanasia.
* Human life is sacred, and it is a gift from God. God is the author of life, so therefore only God can take it away.
* Accepting Euthanasia suggests that some lives (sick, disabled) are worth less than others. All human beings should be valued, irrespective of age, sex, race, religion, social status or their potential for achievement.
* If euthanasia was legalised, it may be abused and people who didn’t want to die may be killed. Vulnerable people, such as the elderly may feel pressured to opt for euthanasia if they become dependent on loved ones.
* It will have a damaging effect on society. It would damage the moral and social foundation of society by removing the traditional principle that man should not kill, and reduce the respect for human life.
* Proper palliative care makes euthanasia unnecessary.
* Suffering may have positive value.
* Euthanasia is an irreversible act- with medical advancements, treatments are improving.
* It can be a slippery slope, where would one draw the line as to who is acceptable for euthanasia?
31
What is Dignitas?
This is a Swiss dignity group who advocates, educates and supports improving care and choice in life and at life’s end. Dignitas have conditions outlined for a person to access assisted suicide. A person must also co-operate with a Swiss medical doctor. A formal request must be submitted.
32
Dignity in dying
Dignity in Dying campaigns for person’s choice where we die, their access to expert information and their control over how they die. The main work of this organisation is to campaign for change in laws through the government and inform people.
33
When was the hospice movement founded and by who?
Palliative care was founded in the 1950’s by Dame Cicely Saunders.
34
What do hospices support people with?
Hospices support people with a wide range of life-limiting conditions. Eg: caner, motor neurone
disease, dementia.
35
What care do hospices provide for family and friends?
It gives the patient and their family a chance to spend quality time together with as little sress as possible. It also gives them the chance to say their last goodbyes in a caring environment. It provides physical, emotional and spiritual care.
36
List the aims of the hospice movement.
* To relieve physical pain caused by a life-threatening illness.
* To provide support and care for patient’s emotional distress.
* To care for the emotional needs of the family.
* To educate people on the best way to care for the dying.
* Carry out continual research.
37
‘Euthanasia allows a person to die with dignity.’ Agree?
* Despite advances in medicines, dying can be a painful and distressing process. Some people feel it is their right to decide when their life should end, particularly if they are suffering.
* Everyone has the right to decide how they should die. Some people would prefer this to be quick rather than the result of a long illness and gradual deterioration.
* Euthanasia gives people the dignity of autonomy and control over their own lives.
* Some people would not want their loved ones to see them suffering or unable to look after themselves. Euthanasia can offer a more dignified alternative.
38
Euthanasia allows people to die with dignity? Disagree?
* Some people would argue that ending a life prematurely, perhaps through a lethal injection, is not a dignified way to die.
* Accepting a serious illness and letting life take its course is seen by many people as being more dignified than euthanasia, even though daily help might be needed from carers and medical staff.
* There are many painkilling drugs which could ease a person’s suffering and help them die with dignity without resorting to euthanasia.
* Euthanasia devalues human life by making it disposable, rather than offering greater dignity.
39
‘If more money was spent on hospices, there would be no need to legalise euthanasia.’ Yes?
• Many people would argue that hospices provide a much better alternative to facing terminal illness than euthanasia; there is no reason why anyone should fear a painful and distressing death as trained medical staff provide medication and pain relief.
• Hospices care for the whole person and are concerned with a patient’s mental, emotional and spiritual health, as well as their physical symptoms, thereby improving the overall quality of life of patients. Consequently, there is no need to legalise euthanasia.
• All the main churches support the hospice movement as it operates on principles compatible with Christianity. They argue that government funding needs to be given as a greater priority than legalising euthanasia.
• Hospices also help the families of a patient come to terms with their loved one’s condition. Relatives are helped to enjoy the final time they have time together.
40
‘If more money was spent on hospices, there would be no need to legalise euthanasia.’ No?
• Despite the care offered by hospices, dying can be a painful and distressing process. Some people feel it is their right to decide when their life should end, particularly if they are suffering.
• Everyone has the right to decide how they should die. Some people would prefer this to be quick rather than the result of a long illness and gradual deterioration.
• Euthanasia gives people the dignity of autonomy and control over their own lives.
• Some people would not want their loved ones to see them suffering or unable to look after themselves. Euthanasia can offer a more dignified alternative.
41
The Bible on euthanasia -
God made humans in his own image. Life should therefore be protected.
One of the 10 commandments – you shall not kill – euthanasia is taking someone’s life.
Jesus raised Jairus’ daughter to life. Jesus wants us to celebrate life, not welcome death.
Jesus healed those with disease and sickness. Palliative care should be our priority.
The Parable of the Lost Sheep – we should concentrate on bringing people back to God rather than encouraging euthanasia.
Our worth to God: ‘Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered’ – life should be cherished, not ended.
‘For me, to live is Christ.’ Alive, we can show others the love of Christ.
42
Church views on euthanasia - the Catholic Church.
No one can allow the killing of an innocent human being. No one is permitted to ask for this act of
killing for themselves or another. It violates divine law.
It is understood to be a plea for help and love.
43
Church views on euthanasia - the Presbyterian church.
Focus should be on care for the dying and making their life as comfortable and peaceful as possible. Resource should be given to support successful
research into pain relief.
For someone who has committed their life to Christ, they believe death is welcomed as a release.
44
The church views on euthanasia - the church of Ireland.
People should be caring and show compassion to those who are suffering, helpless and utterly
dependent on others. All life is a gift from God.
‘The end of an earthly life can truly be more about helping others to live than die.’
45
Religious faith can help a person deal with a serious illness - agree?
* There is hope of life after death.
* Religious faith can help a person die with
dignity as they know this is God’s will.
* Not having a fear of death can help a person
get through their last days.
* A strong faith can also help family members to
cope with a loved one’s illness and death.
46
Religious faith can help a person deal with a serious illness - disagree?
* Many people with no religion can face a terminal illness with courage and dignity.
* Some people with a religious faith may find themselves having doubts or question why God has allowed this to happen.
* A believer coping with the death of a loved one may also find it difficult to accept that this is God’s will.
47
Christians must support the view that people must be kept alive as long as possible. Disagree?
Some Christians would say that terminally ill patients should not be strenuously kept alive when they are suffering intolerable pain or have no quality of life.
Nowadays, people can be kept alive when in the past they would have died a natural death; there is a time to let a person go.
Doctors should not try to play God.
48
Religious faith can help a person cope with a serious illness. Agree?
* There is hope of life after death.
* Religious faith can help a person die with
dignity as they know this is God’s will.
* Not having a fear of death can help a person
get through their last days.
* A strong faith can also help family members to
cope with a loved one’s illness and death.
49
Christians must support the view that people must be kept alive as long as possible. Agree?
The Bible teaches that all life is sacred and comes from God.
It is clear from the Bible that human beings cannot choose when they die: ‘Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses. He sets the time for birth and the time for death.’ Ecclesiastes 3 v 1-2
Hospices show that people can die with dignity and almost painlessly.
The New Testament teaches, ‘Your
body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit.’1 Corinthians 6 v 19
God gives life and he alone
should decide when it should end.
50
What are the different types of capital punishment
Lethal injection
Firing squad
Stoning
Crucifixion
Electric chair
Be heading
Handing
Gas chamber
51
Statistics of capital punishment
We do not know the true extent of the death penalty in China.
There were 993 executions in 23 countries in 2017, 4% less than in 2016.
Iran and Saudi Arabia were responsible for 94% of known executions in 2022.
52
Countries/states that have death penalties.
United States (27 out of 50 states have the death penalty)
Egypt
Saudi Arabia
India
China
53
Circumstances of the death penalty in china.
Capital punishment is normally applied to crimes for murder and drug-trafficking or for other offenses. Executions are carried out by lethal injection or shooting. Unknown number of executions each year.
54
Circumstances of the death penalty in the United States of America.
23 states do not execute as punishment and 27 have execution in their law. However, only 20 carry it out. It is often applied to crimes involving murder, particularly while committing another crime.
55
Amnesty international
Amnesty International believe the death penalty breaches human rights. They believe it is the ultimate cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment. For over 40 years, Amnesty International have been working to abolish the death penalty around the world. They publish an annual report, report figures, and analyse trends for each country. They run campaign-based projects throughout each.
continent and apply pressure on cases that face imminent execution.
56
Should the death penalty be legalized in the uk? Yes?
* The more serious the punishment, the more likely someone is to avoid committing a crime such as murder. The death penalty is the ultimate punishment.
* The UK needs tougher punishments for crimes as families need retribution for the loss of a loved one. Capital punishment is the only way to achieve this.
* Society will be kept safer if the criminal is put to death. There is no need for citizens to worry if the criminal may be released following a prison sentence.
57
Should the death penalty be legalized in the uk? No?
* The UK does not have tough enough jail sentences, but rather than use the death penalty, the UK should lengthen the sentences given instead.
* Even though the criminal has taken the life of another, they do still have a right to life. It is not our decision who lives and who dies – it is God’s.
* If the criminal has committed murder,, it is hypocritical to punish the criminal with yet more murder.
58
Bibles teaching on death penalties and if they are acceptable or not?
Human beings were made like God, so who ever murders one of them will be killed by someone else.’
Acceptable – OT teaching suggests that God created the death penalty.
‘But if a woman herself is injured, the punishment shall be life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth...’
Acceptable – revenge is permitted by the OT.
‘You have heard that it was said, ‘an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too.’
Unacceptable – in the NT, Jesus changed OT teaching. Christians should not seek revenge.
Woman caught in adultery: “Let those who are without sin cast the first stone.”
Unacceptable – Jesus highlights the need to forgive others and not judge.
‘Ask God to bless those who persecute you...not to curse...Never take revenge...Do not let evil defeat you; instead conquer evil with good.’
Unacceptable – Paul supports Jesus’ teaching on not taking revenge.
‘You will reap exactly what you sow.’
Unacceptable – Paul suggests judgement should be left to God.
59
Church teachings on the capital punishment - Catholic Church
Up until 1969, the law of the Vatican City included the death penalty for anyone who tried to assassinate the Pope. Opinions have changed over time and in 1997 a statement was released, indicating that there were very rare, if any, circumstances when capital punishment would be acceptable.
60
Church teachings on capital punishment - Methodist church in Ireland
They are against the use of capital punishment. They urge that alternative ways of punishment are found and used instead. The Methodist Church believe that every human should have the chance to
change and this can be done through Christ.
61
Church teachings of capital punishment - church of Ireland
They are against the use of capital punishment. ‘We believe the death penalty denies Christ’s power to redeem.’ This highlights the importance of forgiveness and reform, especially through the sacrifice of Jesus.
62
What might a life without rules be like?
There might be a significant amount of crime as people feel they are free to do what they want – no care for their actions – especially when there is no need to answer to anyone for what they do.
It may lead to having little, or no care, for human life.
People may grow very selfish and only look out for themselves.
63
Why are laws needed?
Humans live in groups and groups need rules to organise the behaviour of individuals.
Laws let us know what types of behaviour are allowed.
Laws protect the weak from the strong.
Imagine if stealing, rape and murder were allowed.
Laws let us work and be involved in business without being ripped off.
Advanced civilisations like the UK need laws to keep everything organised.
64
Aimee of punishment - REFORMATION (rehabilitation)
It aims to reform (change) the
criminal, so they learn to be a law-abiding member of society.
65
Aims of punishment - PROTECTION
Society must be protected from dangerous criminals. They lose their freedom, so others do not have to worry about being in danger.
66
Aims of punishment - DETERRENCE
Criminals will be put off committing another crime. Others may also be deterred when they see what happens to those who offend.
67
Aims of punishment - VINDICATION
Those who break the law should be punished to show that society is determined to uphold
justice.
68
Aims of punishment - REPARATION
The criminal should make good the damage and hurt they have caused. Eg: through community
service.
69
Aims of punishment - RETRIBUTION (revenge)
Society and the victims of crime deserve to take revenge on the criminal.
‘An eye for an eye’
70
Types of punishment
A fine
Community service – the offender completes a certain number of hours in supervised community work.
Suspended sentence – the offender’s prison sentence is not carried out so long as they do not offend for the period of the sentence.
Probation – the offender serves their sentence outside of prison and is supervised by a probation officer at regular intervals.
Cautioning – the offender admits the crime, and this is recorded. No further action is taken unless the person offends again.
Curfew – the offender is required to remain at home between designated hours. They are often fitted with an electronic tag which monitors if they adhere to the rules of their curfew.
Punishments for antisocial behaviour – the criminal is given a Community Protection Notice (CPN) or Criminal Behaviour Notice (CBN). These require that the offender follows certain rules such as staying away from a certain group to improve their behaviour.
Imprisonment
71
Crimes against a person
Murder
Shoplifting
Stalking
Vandalism
Rape
Burglary
Kidnapping
Arson
Domestic Violence
Extortion
72
What is forgiveness?
A conscious, deliberate action to release feelings of resentment or vengeance towards a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.
73
The Bible on Repentance and Forgiveness
* Once a punishment has been carried out, forgiveness and the opportunity to change should be given to the criminal.
* Jesus gives practical guidelines and clear examples of how he expected his followers to act in a forgiving way.
* The Lord’s Prayer says: ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’
74
What does The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant teach about repentance and forgiveness?
This parable teaches that God has unlimited mercy, like the King. He is willing to forgive all who come to him and repent. However, the parable also teaches that those who have been forgiven should also be prepared to forgive others. Just as God has forgiven us for our sins, we too, should forgive those who have wronged us.
75
What doe The Woman Caught in Adultery teach about repentance and forgiveness
This story teaches us that we should recognise the wrongdoing in our own lives and seek forgiveness for it before turning to judge others for their wrongdoing. Jesus forgave the woman and Christians should follow this example to forgive others as we are all guilty of sin.
76
What does the parable of the lost son teach about repentance and forgiveness?
This parable teaches that God will always forgive a sinner who repents. When someone repents and returns to God, there will be celebrations in Heaven. Christians should also forgive others and recognise the joy in a person returning to God, despite their own unwavering faithfulness.
77
What is restorative justice?
Restorative Justice is a problem-solving approach to crime which involves:
1. The offender
2. The victim
3. The community
Those who support restorative justice argue that after a crime has been committed people cannot really move on with their lives without becoming involved with restoration. The word ‘restore’ can also mean ‘repair.’ In this context restoration is concerned with building a better society and affects: the victim, the offender and society.
78
How does Restorative Justice work to resolve conflict and repair harm?
It gives the offender an opportunity to make reparation (make things right).
It offers those who have suffered harm the opportunity to have their harm or loss acknowledged and amends made.
encourages those who have caused harm to look at the damage they have done.
79
What are the benefits of the restorative justice consortium?
It allows people to move on after a crime
It can help build a better society by repairing things
The victim can return to normal life, the offender can learn how to be a law-abiding citizen and the community can be restored after the damage caused by the crime.
80
The limits of the restorative justice consortium?
It relies on voluntary cooperation - one or neither party may want to get involved.
There may be no sense of community - for example there may be a big divide between the rich and the poor.
It could make the situation worse if it does not go well.
81
How does restorative justice work? - the victim and the offender.
Meetings are organised to give offenders a chance to take steps to make voluntary reparation to their victims, eg: paying money. Meetings will involve an apology and explanation of how the crime came about. The offender listens to the victim’s story and responds to it – this can help victims get over the crime and offenders face the reality of what they’ve done. A practical gesture is carried out, eg: community service. Some victims may offer forgiveness in return for the offender’s remorse. Meetings are carried out by a skilled mediator who ensures a safe and comfortable environment to set ground rules for a positive meeting.
82
How does restorative justice work? - the victim and the community.
Support is provided for the victim through their friends and relatives; however some people don’t have this support. This may then be provided by an organisation such as Victim Support. They will use trained volunteers to help victims overcome the distrust and sense of aloneness. It helps the victim get over what has happened to them.
83
How does restorative justice work? - the offender and the community.
Projects and programmes help the offender reintegrate into society. Examples include: finding jobs, finding somewhere to live, education (re-training), counselling.
84
Does restorative justice work?
* Research in the UK and elsewhere has confirmed that about 75% of victims are satisfied with the results of mediation.
* Many victims felt less angry, fearful and experienced emotional healing.
* Mediation has also been shown to have a considerable impact on offenders. It is thought to have deterred offenders from reoffending.
* Current statistics show that the prison system is not
completely effective in preventing reoffending. Talks are on-
going regarding the need for prison reform. Could restorative justice be the answer?
85
Restorative justice is the best way to deal with crime? Agree?
• Restorative justice is a problem-solving approach to crime
• It focuses on mediation between the victim and offender
• The offender has the opportunity to confront the results of their crime and make amends
• Offenders who go through restorative justice schemes are less likely to re-offend
• One of the aims of punishment is reform and restorative justice can help to bring this about.
86
Restorative justice is the best way to deal with crime? Disagree?
• Restorative justice is not the right approach for all crimes
• Some criminals will never reform and restorative justice could be a waste of time
• Capital punishment is more appropriate for people who have committed truly evil acts
• Those who take the lives of others forfeit their own rights
• Society has an obligation to protect unviolent citizens who need to be protected from violent criminals.
