Transcript Crime
Religion and Crime All major religions recognise the importance of law and order in society – the law should be respected Christians believe the causes of crime should be tackled and promote the idea of forgiveness Muslims believe that they should follow the Qur’an and the law of Muhammad Social causes: lack of education / abusive violent parents / drug or alcohol addiction / boredom and poor role models Environmental causes: unemployment / poor estates and gang rivalry Psychological causes: mental illness / violence on TV or in games Criminal law: where the state law has been broken: Murder / Robbery etc Civil law: personal disputes / divorce / sue companies Indictable: more serious crimes / rape / murder Non-indictable: less serious / driving offences Crimes against the person: Murder / Assault Crimes against property: Vehicle theft / shop lifting / criminal damage Crimes against the state: Terrorism or Treason Sin: A crime against religion or God – breaking the commandments Some are similar to the law “Do not steal” some are religions “Remember the Sabbath” Blasphemy – insulting God or religion can be very serious in Muslim countries and carries the death penalty Protection - protect the public from dangerous people like murders Retribution – Revenge for a crime – eye for an eye Deterrence – Stops people committing crimes because of the high punishment – puts people off Reformation – To change people and their behaviour for the better Vindication – So people respect the law if there is no punishment people would not obey Reparation – To make up for their crime, give something back to society - community service Idea of revenge / getting even / retribution – not acceptable The Law must be upheld – Vindication Work with the causes of crime and crime prevention Must REFORM – punishment and forgiveness go together Deter people from crime – heavy punishments Public humiliation – flogging Law must be respected and the victim satisfied Muslims hope that they will repent and seek forgiveness from Allah Protect from dangerous people Isolate and punish Stop reoffending Deterrent and Vindication A chance to reform Schools for crime Breed resentment / bitterness Very Expensive - £30 000 per year Most prisoners reoffend 70% Difficult to get a job All religions accept the need for prisons Must reform criminals – education and qualifications Need to support prisoners on release Help to overcome addiction Christians actively involved in prison reform – Vicars visit prisoners Christians have campaigned for more emphasis on reform Muslims hope that prison is a deterrence and that criminals will ask for Allah’s forgiveness In 1969 the UK abolished the death penalty Arguments for: Retribution – life for a life Deterrence – high punishment Protection – can never reoffend Finance – Much cheaper than keeping someone in prison for 15 years Mistakes – Innocent people have been executed Protection – life in prison should mean life Deterrence – No evidence that it is more of a deterrent than life in prison Rights – should the government have the right? Some Christians support the death penalty – it is still used in parts of America. The bible says a life for a life Other Christians believe in forgiveness and that only God has the right to take life away Thou shall not murder – 10 Commandments Most Muslim countries have the death penalty for murder Sometimes financial compensation is offered instead of the death penalty Muhammad accepted the justice of a life for a life Electronic Tagging – Cheaper than prison but crimes can still be committed – e.g before curfew…. Is an easy punishment?! Community Service – Gives something back to society, teaches reform, seen as an easy punishment Fines – Can be instant but some people cant afford it! Probation – period of good behaviour - offers advice and does not impact on family The term young offender refers to anyone under 18 who has broken the law. If a young offender commits a minor crime they may be given: a reprimand a final warning an ASBO (Anti Social Behaviour Order) Secure training centre – purpose built centres with a focus on education and rehabilitation Secure Children’s home – run by the local authority social services and focus on the physical, emotional and behavioural needs of the young people Young offenders Institution – Run by the actual prison service as a form of protection to the public and rehabilitation to the young person Parole is when a prisoner is released without completing their sentence, this is because they have shown good behaviour in prison and are no longer considered a risk to society. If they are granted parole they need to report to a parole officer on a regular basis. Early release is when a prison is let out of prison before they have served their full sentence. This may happen in the case of political prisoners or due to overcrowding in prisons Life imprisonment is the most severe punishment given. The average life sentence is 15 years although it may be longer such as in the case of Myra Hindley. There are less than 50 prisoners in the UK who will remain in prison until they die.