Religion Crime Punishment The Aims of Punishment Retribution
Religion, Crime & Punishment The Aims of Punishment: Retribution Learning objectives: To explore the role of retribution when punishing criminals. To consider different attitudes towards retribution.
Discuss What does retribution mean? What do you think Gandhi means when he says an eye for an eye will make the whole world blind? Do you agree or disagree with Gandhi? Why?
A Reminder… The Retribution Argument: • all guilty people deserve to be punished • only guilty people deserve to be punished • guilty people deserve to be punished in proportion to the severity of their crime This argument states that real justice requires people to suffer for their wrongdoing, and to suffer in a way appropriate for the crime. Each criminal should get what their crime deserves and in the case of a murderer what their crime deserves is death.
Task List the positives and negatives of retribution? POSITIVES NEGATIVES
What is the British/World View?
What do religious believers think? ‘Take not ____, which God has made ______, except by way of _______ and _____. Thus does He _______ you, so that you may _________. ’Qur’an 6: 151 learn law justice command sacred wisdom life
What do religious believers think? ‘An _____, even if it brings ______ to oneself, cannot be considered a _____ action if it causes _______ and ______ pain to another ____. ’ The Buddha good being action mental physical benefit
What do religious believers think? For Christian’s it is not clear cut. On the one hand, if the Old Testament refers to ‘an eye for an eye’ then for some this highlights the importance of retribution. However, many believe that this is not to be taken literally and Jesus taught about love and forgiveness (‘Love thy neighbour’). The Lord’s prayer recognises that everyone sins and needs forgiveness, therefore implying a view against retribution. Whilst Islam encourages forgiveness and reform, Islamic countries that practise a very strict Sharia law do focus upon retributive punishments for a large variety of crimes. The death penalty is seen as the most severe punishment but one that can only be commanded by a court for crimes of a suitable severity. Such crimes include – intentional murder; treason; terrorism; piracy; rape; adultery and homosexual activity. Retributive punishment is inconsistent with Buddhist teachings, Buddhists place great emphasis on non violence and compassion for all life (The First Precept). Buddhist teachings show no sympathy for physical punishment no matter how bad the crime committed.
Application – 4 Mark Q Explain two contrasting beliefs about retribution as an aim of punishment. Point – Develop Religious Teachings One view on retribution is that Evidence to support this includes Religious believers might say because An alternative view on retribution is In comparison Mark Scheme 1 mark - simple explanation of a relevant and accurate contrasting point. 2 marks - detailed explanation of a relevant and accurate contrasting point. 3 marks- second accurate and relevant contrasting belief with simple explanation. 4 marks - detailed explanation of 2 nd relevant and accurate contrasting point.
- Slides: 11