RE CRIME AND PUNISHMENT

• 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
• Intention


  The plan that someone has before they act
• Shari'ah law


  Islamic law based on the Qur'an, Hadith, and Sunnah
• Islam: Temptation


  For muslims, evil can be linked with Satan, originally created by God as a spirit called a jinn. He was cursed by God for refusing to bow to Adam. As a result, Satan is now intent on tempting humans to choose to do wrong rather than right. When muslims speak about evil criminal actions, they usually mean that the offence is profoundly immoral and wicked as a result of giving into temptation. Thus it is against the will of God.
• Islam: Imperfection in humans (mistakes)


  Many muslims would claim that humans are not perfect and make mistakes. Some do evil things because they have not resisted temptation, not because they are bad people.
• Christianity: Evil intentions


  "You have heard it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder', and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement."
• Christianity: Evil


  Evil can be linked with Satan, the source of all evil. When Christians speak of evil criminal actions, they usually mean that the offence is profoundly immoral and wicked rather than directly linked to the devil. Crimes involving violence against people are sinful and against God.
• Christians: Imperfection in humans (mistakes)


  Many Christians believe there is no such thing as an evil person. Belief in original sin means that humans have a tendency to do things that are evil despite not being evil themselves.
• Poverty


  Being without money, food or other basic needs of life
• Mental illness


  A medical condition that affects a person's feelings, emotions or moods and perhaps their ability to relate to others
• Addiction


  physical or mental dependency on a substance or activity which is very difficult to overcome
• Greed


  Selfish desire for something
• Islam: AGREE Shari'ah law


  "Those who do not judge according to what God has revealed are doing grave wrong."
• Islam: OPPOSE greed


  "Competing for more distracts you until you go into your graves."
• Christianity: AGREE police


  "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established."
• Christianity: OPPOSE stealing


  One of the ten commandments, "You shall not covet"
• Islam: AGREE justice


  "God commands justice ...and prohibits wrongdoing, and injustice..."
• Hate crimes


  Crimes, often including violence, that are usually targeted at a person because of their race, religion, sexuality, disability or gender
• Islam: OPPOSE hate crime


  Muslims believe that God created all humans with equal value
• Christianity: AGREE treat prisoners well


  "For... I was in prison and you came to visit me."
• Christianity: OPPOSE hate crime


  "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
• 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
• Christianity: AGREE retribution


  "Eye for eye"
• Christianity: AGREE reformation & OPPOSE retribution


  "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay', says the Lord. On the contrary: 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink [...] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
• Islam: AGREE retribution & AGREE forgiveness


  "An equal wound for a wound: if anyone forgoes this out of charity, it will serve as atonement for his bad deeds"
• Islam: AGREE reformation


  It is considered necessary for offenders to seek God's forgiveness and to become purified. If they reform, this is more likely to happen.
• Free will


  The belief that God gives people the opportunity to make decisions for themselves in knowledge of the consequences their decisions may cause
• Islam: AGREE suffering is a test


  "...you are sure to be tested through your possessions and persons; you are sure to hear much that is hurtful... If you are steadfast and mindful of God, that is the best course."
• Islam: AGREE help those who are suffering


  Be compassionate towards the destitute."
• Christians: AGREE suffering is beneficial


  "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
• Christianity: AGREE rectify the suffering you've caused others


  "One of [the disciples] struck the servant of the High Priest, cutting off his right ear. But Jesus answered, 'No more of this!' And he touched the man's ear and healed him."
• Prison


  A secure building where offenders are kept for a period of time set by a judge
• Community service


  A way of punishing offenders by making them do unpaid work in the community
• Corporal punishment


  punishment of an offender by causing them physical pain - now illegal in the UK
• Islam: AGREE corporal punishment


  "Cut off the hands of thieves, whether they are man or woman, as punishment for what they have done - a deterrent from God."
• Christianity: AGREE corporal punishment


  "He who spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them."