Jewish Attitudes to Punishment

• • A firm principle people have been given free will and must take responsibility for their actions. 
• • To go against the strict Jewish behaviour rules and commit a crime is a sin against God.
• • Jews believe punishment should deter criminals, protect society, provide retribution, promote justice. 
• • God created a just (fair) world, so Jews believe they must practise justice
• • Judges must be fair and honourable, and appointed to rule over the action
• • Torah contains many instructions on how crime should be punished.
• • They are many different views on the issue of punishment within Judaism. (e.g. Reform Jews often protest for the fair treatment of prisoners in jail.)
• • Jews are taught to be forgiving. However, only the victim is able to forgive. (No one can be forgiven on another's behalf)
• • Offenders should repent and request God's forgiveness by avoiding further offences, giving money to charity, fasting (especially on the Day of Atonement)
• • Many believe repentance (teshuva - returning to God) and forgiveness are important within communities.