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