THEME E- Crime and punishment

What is crime?

An act that breaks the law.

What is punishment?

A penalty imposed on someone who has committed an offence.

What is retribution?

Punishment intended to give offenders what they deserve.

What is deterrence?

Punishment intended to discourage crime.

What is reformation?

Helping offenders change their behaviour.

What is rehabilitation?

Helping an offender return to a law-abiding life.

What is protection?

Punishment or imprisonment intended to protect society from dangerous offenders.

What is forgiveness?

Choosing to stop blaming or seeking revenge against someone who has done wrong.

What is a hate crime?

A crime motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a protected characteristic.

What causes crime?

Possible causes include poverty, upbringing, addiction, peer pressure and social environment.

Why might poverty contribute to crime?

Lack of opportunities and resources can contribute to some forms of offending.

Why might addiction contribute to crime?

Substance dependence can affect judgement and behaviour.

Why might religion support rehabilitation?

Religious teachings often emphasise forgiveness and the possibility of change.

What did Jesus teach about forgiveness?

Christians should forgive others. Quote: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” — Matthew 6:12

What is the death penalty?

The execution of someone as punishment for a serious crime.

Why might Christians oppose the death penalty?

Human life is sacred and Jesus taught forgiveness.

Why might Muslims oppose the death penalty?

Life is sacred and forgiveness is encouraged.

Can some Muslims support the death penalty?

Yes. Traditional Islamic law permits it for certain serious crimes under strict conditions, although forgiveness is encouraged.

What is the sanctity of life argument?

Human life has sacred value, so deliberately taking it is wrong.

What is the justice argument for punishment?

Offenders should receive a punishment proportionate to their crime.

What is the deterrence argument for the death penalty?

The threat of execution may discourage serious crime.

What is the risk argument against the death penalty?

An innocent person could be wrongly executed.

What is corporal punishment?

Physical punishment.

What is imprisonment?

Keeping an offender in prison as punishment and/or protection.