Aim of punishment

• Hate crimes

  Crimes often including violence, that are usually targeted because of race/religion/sexuality/disability/gender.
• Retribution


  aim of punishment - to get your own back
• Deterrence


  Aim of punishment- to put people off committing crimes
• Reformation


  Aim of punishment- to change someone's behaviour for the better.
• Retribution views

  Least positive aim. Means society, on victim's behalf, is getting its own back on the offender. Early form found in OT is called lex talionis (law of retaliation). Means criminals should receive same injuries and damage they caused to their victim.

  
  

  Christians don't take teaching literally - interpret to mean offender should receive a punishment severe enough to match seriousness of their crime.
• Deterrence views

  Puts off criminal from doing crime again as punishment is harsh. E.G. threat of driving ban may deter drink-driving. Years ago, in UK people were punished in public (floggings/executions).

  
  

  Extreme example of offenders in effort to persuade others isn't acceptable to many Christians today who believe every human should be treated with dignity irrespective of what they've done.
• Reformation views


  Most Christians prefer because seeks to help offenders by working with them to help them understand their behaviour is harming society.

  
  

  May involve group therapy/individual counselling/meeting victims/community service. Christians are encouraged not to seek revenge but instead to set an example showing compassion.
• 2 contrasting attitudes to lawbreakers

  Most Christians believe in people being treated humanely and fairly, giving them the chance to face up to their crimes, serve a fair punishment and have a second chance to turn lives around - this is the most loving thing to do.

  
  

  Other Christians want more of an emphasis on 'justice' - based on the

  "eye for an eye' teaching from the Bible which means criminals should receive a punishment that fits the crime c.g. in cases of murder, murderer is executed to match fate of their victim.
• quote for retribution

  The Bible says, "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." This is the principle of justice that requires punishment in equal kind to the offence.
• Compassion quote

  Jesus said, 'I was in prison and you visited me.' This inspires Christians to treat prisoners with compassion and consider how they may be helped as well as punished for their wrongdoings.
• Reformation quote

  Jesus said 'Love thy neighbour' Many christians believe we should show agape to everyone as it is the most loving thing to do