Morality & Justice: Responses to Punishments Of Crime

Question 1

Custodial: Prison Sentences

Answer 1

K - One … is a prison sentence , when a criminal is kept in prison for a certain period
K - An example of this is for theft in the UK, maximum sentences is 7 years in prison
K - Christian’s would argue everyone can become good so reform aspect good
(Or)
Utilitarians would agree with prison as it aims to protect society and would create greatest happiness for everyone.

A - One consequence might be school of crime, encouraging further crime
A - Another consequence might be separating criminals from society, protecting civilians from those more likely inflict harm

E - In my opinion, I think that prison allows criminals to reflect and reform without risking the safety of civilians
E - I also think, in my opinion, that short sentences in prison serve little effect and do nothing to protect society

Question 2

Non-Custodial: Tagging

Answer 2

K - One … is tagging, when a criminal is under curfew and tracked by a monitor
K - An example could be given for post-prison and bail or minor offenses
K - Christian’s would argue everyone can become good so the restorative aspects of tagging are seen as a good punishment
(Or)
Utilitarian view argues tagging allows criminals out in daytime so society wouldn’t be protected and wouldn’t create greatest happiness for everyone.

A - One consequence might be it doesn’t always stop violence e.g. Lewis Singleton, 18 year old, brutally stabbed but curfew said he should’ve been at home.
A - Another consequence might be Cheaper option than prison, costing around £2000 a year

E - In my opinion I think that tagging is good as it allows criminals to change but still surveils them to protect the public
E - I also think, in my opinion, that tagging reduces the risk of criminals learning from others in prison

Question 3

Drawbacks of Fines?

Answer 3

K - One … is fines
K - An example of this is …
K - Christian’s would argue …
(Or)
Secular’s view would argue …

A - One consequence might be high reoffending rates, don’t deter criminals
A - Another consequence is some fines can be tailored, income may be considered

E - In my opinion, I think fines can drive a criminal to further crime due to poverty
E - I also think, in my opinion, that fines can

Question 4

Benefits of Fines?

Question 5

Religious Response to Fines

Answer 5

Some christians would argue that Old testament “an eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:24-25) which justifies fines as a retribution punishment.

Question 6

Non-Religious Response to Fines

Answer 6

Utilitarians would argue that fines brings about more suffering for not only the criminal but their families aswell.

Question 7

Drawbacks of Community Paybacks?

Answer 7

K - One … is …
K - An example of this is …
K - Christian’s would argue …
(Or)
Secular’s view would argue …

A - One consequence might be …
A - Another consequence might be …

E - In my opinion …
E - I also think, in my opinion, that …

• Is it right to shame people and make an example?
• ‘Soft option’
• Little protection to society, as out in community

Question 8

Benefits of Community Paybacks?

Answer 8

• Less overcrowding in prisons
• Rehabilitation
• Give back to community
• Lower cost than prison

Question 9

Religious Response to Community Payback

Answer 9

Christians, believe everyone can become good so the restorative aspects of community payback and the benefits to community are seen as a good punishment

Question 10

Non-Religious Response to Community Payback

Answer 10

Utilitarians agree with community service as it allows criminals to benefit community while serving a less severe punishment which creates greatest happiness for everyone.