revision notes for RS ethics - PUNISHMENT

PUNISHMENT

WHY DO WE PUNISH PEOPLE?

deterrence - a warning to others
                   - stop them doing the same crime
protection - protecting society
reformation - to rehabilitise criminals through reintegration programmes
                     - makes punishment effective by changing behaviours
retribution - revenge for what has been done

CHRISTIAN RESPONSES

retribution - 'an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth'
                    -however Jesus rejected punishment
reformation - idea of restoring is an important Christian idea
                      - redemption through God's grace
                     - Jesus came to heal the sick
deterrence - a biblical idea
protection - love of neighbour includes protecting them
                  - just as the good Samaritan help the man effected by crime

FORGIVENESS keeps with Christian teachings, was essential to Jesus' life. retribution is not held up in the Gospel message however it is in the old Testament.

IMPACT OF PUNISHMENT

PRISON

FOR

• protects society
• long sentences are a deterrent

AGAINST

• no reformation
• majority re-offend
• criminals learn new skills

FINES

FOR

• a detterent
• money raised to help society

AGAINST

• dosen't work for the rich
• big impact on poor

PROBATION

FOR

• chance to regenirate
• provides support, reducing the likelyhood of re-offending

AGAINST

• chance to re-offend
• dosen't send the right message

COMMUNITY SERVICE

FOR

• helping the community
• opportunity to do something productive

AGAINST

• soft option
• not a detterent