RS: Theme E - Religion, crime and punishment (key words)

Crime

an offence which is punishable by law, for example stealing, murder

Punishment

something legally done to somebody as a result of being found guilty of breaking the law

Evil

the opposite of good, a force or the personification of a negative power that is seen in many traditions as destructive and against God

Poverty

being without money, food or other basic needs of life (being poor)

Mental illness

a medical condition that affects a person’s feelings, emotions or moods, and perhaps their ability to relate to other

Addiction

physical or mental dependency on a substance or activity which is very difficult to overcome

Greed

selfish desire for something great

Hate crimes

crimes, often including violence, that are usually targeted at a person because of their race, religion, sexuality, disability or gender

Retribution

an aim of punishment - to get your own back; ’an eye for an eye’

Deterrence

an aim of punishment - to put people off committing crimes

Reformation

an aim of punishment - to change someone’s behaviour for the better

Free will

belief that God gives people the opportunity to make decisions for themselves

Prison

a secure building where offenders are kept for a period of time set by a judge

Corporal punishment

punishment of an offender by causing them physical pain - now illegal in the UK

Community service

a way of punishing offenders by making them do unpaid work in the community

Forgiveness

showing grace and mercy and pardoning someone for what they have done wrong

Repentance

saying sorry, and a way of believers acknowledging to God that things have gone wrong

Death penalty

capital punishment; a form of punishment in which a prisoner is put to death for crimes committed

Sanctity of life

all life is holy as it is created and loved by God; Christians believe human life should not be misused or abused