key terms for crime and punishment

crime

an offence which is punishable by law

punishment

something done to someone as a result of being found guilty

evil

the opposite of good; a force of negative power that is seen in many traditions as destructive and against god

intention

to think it

action

to do it

murder

the unlawful planned killing of one human being by another

theft

the action or crime of stealing. it is less serious than some other crimes but it still results in a victim suffering loss

hate crimes

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

retribution

punishing the offender to make them suffer in proportion to the crime - the idea of ‘getting what they deserve’

deterrence

punishment designed to discourage the offender - and other from committing crimes

reformation

aiming to change the offenders behaviour and help them become a better person

suffering

the experience of pain, hardship or distress caused by physical, emotional or spiritual challenges

forgiveness

the decision to let go of resentment or anger towards someone who has wronged you, often involving compassion and reconciliation

free will

the god given ability to make your own choice and decisions without being controlled even though those choices may lead to good or bad consequences

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 community work in the community

prison

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