Religion, crime and punishment Flashcards
(66 cards)
1
Q
what is a crime?
A
an offence punishable by law
2
Q
what is a punishment?
A
something done legally as a result of someone being found guilty of breaking the law
3
Q
what is the UK legal system all about?
A
- Govt must get approval from parliament ot make new laws
- magistrates and crown courts (more serious) hear cases for someone charged with a crime
- decide if someone is guilty or not guilty - if guilty impose a sentence as punishment
- most severe punishment is life in prison - reserved for murder, rape and terrorist activity
4
Q
What is the legal system like in Islamic countries?
A
- many follow Shari’ah law
- some Muslim countries (eg. Egypt, Saudi Arabia) - most severe sentence = death penalty
4
Q
what is Shari’ah law?
A
Islamic law derived from the Qur’an, Hadith and Sunnah
5
Q
what can be interpreted as a good action?
A
- something that doesn’t break the law
- good things not specifically mentioned in the law - eg. generosity, love
- good things with no law dictating they be down - eg. supporting charities
- actions encouraged or required by genuine religious faiths
6
Q
what can be interpreted as an evil action?
A
- things against the law
- things that are legal but morally wrong - eg. adultery, abortion
- things that cause suffering and, injury or death
- may not be from evil intentions - just the influence of their situation
7
Q
what is evil?
A
- the opposite of good
- a force of negative power seen in many traditions as destructive and against God
8
Q
how do different legal systems decide on punishment for offenders?
A
- intention is taken into account when setting punishment
- Shari’ah law - severity of punishment depends on seriousness of religious value breached
9
Q
what do Muslims believe about evil acts?
A
- humans are immoral and wicked as a result of temptation (blame evil actions on not resisting temptation)
- evil intention is just as wicked as an evil crime
10
Q
what do Christians believe about evil acts?
A
- evil actions are immoral and wicked
- crimes against people are as sinful as crimes against God
- people aren’t evil - they are created in the image of God - there is a reason why they do evil things
11
Q
why do people commit crimes (7 reasons + development)?
A
- Poverty
- there are millions in the UK who can’t afford food so try to steal food for their family to survive - Upbringing
- some grow up in households where crime is a way of life/they are encouraged to do it - Mental illness
- can lead people to crime
- eg. Anger management problems and depression may = violence + drug abuse - Addiction
- taking illegal drugs is a crime
- may commit other crimes to keep getting drugs
- legal drugs also cause issues eg. drink driving, rape, violence - Greed
- some people want things they don’t need/can-t afford - leads to them stealing - Hate
- opposite of love, leads to violence/aggression - Opposition to an unjust law
- break unjust laws to protest against them
- could be laws based on inequality or deny basic human rights
12
Q
what do religious people think about people committing crimes due to poverty?
A
Christians:
- society should make sure no one has to steal for food - support foodbanks, campaign for living wage, improve public services
Muslims:
- Zakah = no one lives in poverty
- BUT it can’t help everyone so community should help too
13
Q
what do religious people think about people committing crimes due to upbringing?
A
Christians:
- parents should teach children right way to behave through their example
Muslims:
- strong extended family should make sure Muslims are guided to follow the law through example
14
Q
what do religious people think about people committing crimes due to mental illness?
A
Christians:
- treating the causes of illness is the most loving + compassionate thing to do
Muslims:
- illness should be treated, but punishment is still justifiable
15
Q
what do religious people think about people committing crimes due to addiction?
A
Christians:
- against taking illegal drugs
- support rehabilitation to defeat addiction
- alcohol allowed but not in excess
Muslims:
- illegal drugs + alcohol forbidden
- addiction isn’t an excuse
16
Q
what do religious people think about people committing crimes due to greed?
A
Christians:
- “You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighour” - Exodus 20:17
- envy forbidden in the Ten Commandments
Muslims:
- “Competing for more distracts you until you go into your grave” - Qur’an 102:1-2
- greed = temptation - AVOID
17
Q
what do religious people think about people committing crimes due to hate?
A
Christians:
- Jesus taught to love everyone, even enemies
Muslims:
- against Muslim morality
18
Q
what do religious people think about people committing crimes due to opposition of an unjust law?
A
Christians:
- some may agree but only of there is no violence and no one is harmed
Muslims:
- Shari’ah law = God’s law - cannot be unjust so not a good reason
19
Q
Bible quote on obeying the law
A
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established” - Romans 13:1
20
Q
what is a hate crime?
A
a crime motivated by racial, sexual, gender or other prejudice, typically involving violence
21
Q
what is murder?
A
the unlawful killing of one human being by another - one of the worst crimes. Sometimes classified as a hate crime
22
Q
what is theft?
A
the action or crime of stealing and the victim suffering loss - less serious than other crimes but still bad
23
Q
what is a religious offence?
A
any action which offends religious sensibilities and arouses serious negative emotions in people with strong belief - usually associated with sin
24
What do Christians believe about lawbreakers?
- law should be respected
- must be punished by the law according to the seriousness of the crime
- believe in restorative justice - enable criminals to make amends for their behaviours by meeting victims and apologising
- they have basic rights - no inhuman/harmful punishment
- punishment should help them become a useful member of society and prevent reoffending
25
Bible quotes on attitudes to lawbreakers
- "I was in prison and you came to visit me" - Matthew 25:34-36 - helping prisoners is helping Jesus
- "If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also" - Matthew 5:38-39 - Forgiveness
26
What do Muslims think of lawbreakers?
- law must be obeyed, esp Shari'ah law
- most Muslims support UK legal system even though it's not Shari'ah but might still disagree with some laws
- Shari'ah law gives punishments based on seriousness of crime - severe for crimes prohibited in the Qur'an
- most severe punishments not used in the UK
- Shari'ah punishments are meant to be severe enough to deter reoffending
27
Qur'an quotes on lawbreakers?
- "God commands justice... And prohibits wrongdoing and injustice" - Qur'an 16:90
- "The law of equality is prescribed in case of murder: the free for the free, the slave for the slave" - Surah 2:178
28
What do religious people think of different types of crime?
Hate crimes:
- Christians + Muslims both against
- Jesus taught to love your neighbour - treat with compassion, care + respect
- he would condemn criminal actions - no crime shows love for the victim
Murder:
- worn for both Christians and Muslims
- only God has right and authority to take life
Theft:
- not justifiable for Christians or Muslims to steal to supply food for family
- theft not allowed in the Ten Commandments
29
Bible + Qur'an quotes on murder
- "You shall not murder" - Exodus 20:13
- "Do not take life which God has made sacred, except by right" - Qur'an 17:33
30
Why do we punish criminals?
- if society has laws, there should be punishments for breaking them
- deter them from reoffending
- protect people and law and order
- make the criminal a better person
- reduce crime levels
- provide compensation for victims
31
Give 5 types of punishment
- police warning
- community service
- prison
- fine
- death penalty
32
What are the 3 aims of punishment?
Retribution
- to get your own back
- criminals should receive the same (not greater) injuries and harm that they inflicted
- murder: murderer should be killed
Deterrence
- put people off committing crimes - punishment received is an example and warning to others
- harsh punishment = less likely people will copy the crime + deter offender from reoffending
Reformation
- change someone's behaviour for the better
- eg. counselling + community service to understand what was wrong
- hope that offenders will change their attitude and return to society as a responsible law abiding citizen
33
what is the Christian attitude to retribution + quote?
- eye for eye teaching shouldn't be taken literally but punishment should be severe enough to match seriousness of crime
- murderers shouldn't necessarily be killed for murder
- most prefer other aims that are less harmful and more positive
- "Do not take revenge... but leave room for God's wrath for it is written "It is mine to avenge I will repay," says the Lord" - Romans 12:19
34
What is the Muslim attitude to retribution + quote?
- criminals should receive back same injuries that they caused
- murderers shouldn't always be killed - victim's family can accept compensation for showing mercy to the murder and preventing execution
- favoured aim - actions against Shari'ah law = actions against God
- "We prescribed for them a life for a life, an eye for an eye" - Qur'an 5:45
35
What is the Christian attitude to deterrence?
- agree with deterring people from crime but not punishments that cause mental/physical harm or infringe offender's rights
- against public punishments - offenders should be treated with respect despite their actions
36
what is the Muslim attitude to deterrence + quote?
- Shari'ah punishments done in public - deter onlookers from committing crime
- punishments: amputation of hand of thief, execution of murderer
- "Cut off the hands of thieves, whether they are man or woman, as punishment for what they have done - a deterrent from God" - Qur'an 5:38
37
what is the Christian attitude to reformation + quote?
- preferred aim of punishment - positive + works with individuals to improve their life chances
- not a replacement for punishment but happens alongside it even for the worst offenders
- "if your enemy is hungry, feed him, if he is thirsty, give him something to drink... overcome evil with good" - Romans 12:20-21
38
what is the Muslim attitude to reformation?
- offenders need to seek forgiveness from God and become purified
- more likely if the offender is reformed - from educational and financial assistance
- not a replacement for punishment but happens alongside punishment even for the worst offenders
39
what is suffering?
- it is an unfortunate part of life that no one can avoid
- caused by natural events or human behaviour
40
what do Christians believe about suffering?
- they have a duty to help those who are suffering and recognise the good that can come from suffering
- they try to follow Jesus's example - he helped many who were suffering and told his followers to do the same
- "We also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" - Romans 5:3-4
41
what do Muslims believe about suffering?
- God allows suffering for reasons unknown to people
- it may be a test from God but he doesn't make people suffer more than they can endure
- Iblis causes temptation and suffering
- they have a duty to help those suffering and recognise the good that comes out of it
- "You are sure to be tested through your possessions and persons; you are sure to hear much that is hurtful... if you are steadfast and mindful of God, that is the best course" - Qur'an 3:186
42
why does a loving God allow suffering?
- wrong to blame God for suffering caused by human actions - he could control them and stop them
- God gave humans freewill and gave guidance to use it responsibly
- humans can't do whatever they want whenever because this would probably increase suffering
- law - guidance about the best way to use freewill + punishments for those who cause suffering
43
what do Christians believe about causing suffering to others?
- Jesus - love + respect others + don't use violence for self defence - may increase suffering
- doesn't always work - may accidentally increase suffering
- if this happens - apologise + repair damage caused to restore relationship
- eg. when Jesus was arrested Peter cut off the high priest's servant's ear - Jesus rebuked him + fixed the ear
- try to heal the wrong done and suffering caused
44
what do Muslims believe about causing suffering to others?
- share identity with the whole Ummah (community) - care + provide for those in need
- no human is perfect - may accidentally cause suffering
- if this happens - be honest with themselves + God + repair damage they have caused to repair relationships
- God will forgive any Muslim who tries to correct their wrong and is sincerely sorry
- eg. Allah forgave Adam and Hawwa when they were tempted by Iblis
45
what are the 3 forms of punishment?
Prison:
- punishment for serious crimes
- loss of liberty - no choice on how they spend their time - everything is controlled
- locked in cells, fed and allowed exercise and interaction in other prisoners at set times
- work in prison for little money or join training or education programs
Corporal punishment:
- punish offenders by inflicting physical pain
- illegal in the UK + many countries
- allowed in some Muslims countries eg. Iran and Saudi Arabia - caning or amputation for theft
- often in public
- considered a breach of human rights
Community service:
- punishment for minor offences
- gives a chance for reform
- community payback - do supervised community work like cleaning graffiti off buildings
- treatment for addiction, counselling, education opportunities
- sometimes victim-offender meeting - victim tells their point of view, offender apologises
46
what do Christians believe about prison as punishment?
- prisoners should be treated well in prison
- support them to make their time in prison useful by encouraging positive activities
- prison conditions should be human and civilised
47
what do Muslims believe about prison as punishment?
- used less as a punishment, more as a place to keep people awaiting trial or punishment
- prison may be a greater penalty than inflicting pain through corporal punishment
48
what do Christians believe about corporal punishment?
- most don't support it
- doesn't try to reform the offender + physically harms the person
- negative and harmful punishment
49
What do Muslims believe about corporal punishment?
- used in some Muslim countries
- often in public - acts as a deterrent (?)
- laid down in Shari'ah law- used for offences like gambling, adultery and drinking alcohol (80 lashes)
50
what do Christians believe about community service as punishment?
- support it for offenders who might benefit from it
- they can make up for what they've done wrong (repatriation), deters them from reoffending and reforms them - they realise the consequences of their actions
- no harm done - positive
51
what do Muslims believe about community service as punishment?
- not used much in Shari'ah law - not seen as enough of a deterrent
- nothing in Shari'ah law about punishments for community crimes like fraud and antisocial behaviour - can include rehabilitation
52
what is forgiveness?
showing mercy and pardoning someone for what they have done wrong
53
what do Christians believe about forgiveness?
- people who commit crimes should be forgiven if possible but also punished for justice to be done
- punishment should benefit the offender in order for reformation
- God expects Christians to forgive others no matter what they have done and in return will forgive them for what they've done
- there is no upper limit to forgiveness
54
Bible quotes on forgiveness?
- "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing" - Luke 23:34
- "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us" - Our Father prayer
- "'Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother if he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times'" - Matthey 18:21-22
55
what do Muslims believe about forgiveness?
There are 2 types of forgiveness:
1. Forgiveness from God
- only God can truly forgive
- he only forgives those who are truly sorry and intend to follow the faith properly
- links to compassionate + merciful God
2. Forgiveness from humans
- people should forgive each other - establish good over evil
- offender should seek victim's forgiveness before God's forgiveness
- if they repeat the act unknowingly it should be forgiven again
56
Qur'an + Hadith quotes on forgiveness?
- "Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not wish that God should forgive you? God is most forgiving and merciful" - Qur'an 24:22
- "Pardon each others faults and God will grant you honour" - Hadith
57
What is capital punishment?
it is the death penalty - a prisoner is put to death for their crimes
58
what is the principle of utility?
does it support the death penalty?
- the idea that an action is right if it promotes maximum happiness for the maximum number of people
- sometimes its right
- but if the death penalty is used as retribution it is wrong
- if it is proven to protect society then it is justified since it has been proven that many people will benefit
59
what is the sanctity of life?
does it support the death penalty?
- the idea that all life is holy as it is created and loved by God - it shouldn't be misused or abused
- no - death penalty is wrong since it is taking away human life
- but sometimes justice can override this - eg. "eye for an eye"
60
what is the legal perspective on the death penalty?
- abolished in the UK in 1969 - no criminal has been executed since then
- illegal in the European Community
- legal in some US states, China, and some Muslim countries like Saudi Arabia
61
are people who receive the death penalty always guilty?
- no - 3 people executed in the 50s in the UK were pardoned because new evidence came that cast doubt over their guilt
- several people who have faced the death penalty have later been freed from prison because they were innocent
62
Why would a Christian agree with the death penalty?
- Genesis 9:6 and Exodus 21:23-24 teach retribution - justified for those who commit the worst crimes
- deters people from committing horrific crimes because they could lose their life for it
- protects society by removing the worst criminals from reoffending - 39.3% of inmates reoffend with 12 months of release
63
why would a Christian disagree with the death penalty?
- Ezekiel 33:11 teahces that wrongdoers should be reformed - that can't happen if the criminal is dead
- not much evidence the death penalty is a deterrent - US murder rate is 3.9 per 100000 people whereas UK rate is 0.9 per 100000 people
- many murders are done in the spur of the moment - the death penalty doesn't cross the murderer's mind
- God gave life and only God has the authority to take it away
64
What do Muslims believe about the death penalty?
- teachings favour the death penalty and Shari'ah law says it should be used for crimes like murder and rape - deterrent + fair retribution
- but victim is also encouraged to show mercy by accepting compensation from the murderer
- not all Muslims support the death penalty - some see it as a misinterpretation of the Qur'an's teachings
65
Qur'an quotes about the death penalty?
- "Do not take life, which God has made sacred, except by right" - Qur'an 6:151 - murder is wrong
- "But if the culprit is pardoned by his aggrieved brother, this shall be adhered to fairly, and the culprit shall pay what is due in a good way" - Qur'an 2:178
