12.4 Religion & the Treatment of Criminals (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Flashcards
Exam code: 8062
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Define corporal punishment.
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Cards in this collection (27)
Define corporal punishment.
The use of physical pain as a punishment for a criminal act (e.g. whipping, branding, amputation) — illegal in the UK.
Define community service.
A punishment where offenders do unpaid work in the community (e.g. cleaning graffiti) — used for less serious offences like vandalism.
What does prison mean for an offender, and who is it for?
Loss of liberty — reserved for serious offenders, with sentences up to a full life sentence.
Why do Christians agree with the use of prison?
Prisons protect the community and should support reformation (education, training); offenders should be treated with dignity in humane conditions — 'Remember those who are in prison' (Hebrews 13:3).
Why do many Muslims see prison as a good punishment?
It protects the community and ensures justice; the criminal loses their freedom and the ability to see their family (important in Islam).
Why do most Christians oppose corporal punishment?
It causes physical harm and seeks revenge; Jesus taught to 'turn the other cheek' (Matthew 5:38-39), and it does not reform the offender.
How does Shari'ah law permit corporal punishment?
The Qur'an gives examples — 'Cut off the hands of thieves' (5:38); 'lash each of them with a hundred lashes' for adultery (24:2) — used for offences like gambling or drinking.
Why do many Muslims believe it is better not to use corporal punishment?
It is wrong to cause pain, even to criminals, because all human life is made by Allah and is sacred; if someone repents, the punishment need not be used.
Define the Law of Compensation (in Islam).
In many Muslim countries, corporal punishment can be swapped for paying compensation — supported by 'If anyone repents... God will accept his repentance' (Qur'an 5:38).
Why do Christians agree with community service?
It helps reform offenders by showing the consequences of their actions, lets them make up for damage, doesn't physically harm them, and contributes to society.
Why is community service rarely used under Shari'ah law?
It is not seen as a strong enough deterrent to the criminal — though Muslims support it as valuable in some situations.
______ is meant to be the most important element when deciding a punishment, as a changed criminal benefits society.
Reformation is meant to be the most important element when deciding a punishment, as a changed criminal benefits society.
Which teaching supports Christians in caring about prisoners?
Hebrews 13:3: 'Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them.'
True or False?
Corporal punishment is legal in the UK.
False.
Corporal punishment is illegal in the UK; it was banned in government-funded schools in 1987 and completely across the UK by 2003.
Define forgiveness.
The process of showing mercy and pardon to someone for what they have done wrong — an important stage in reconciliation.
What did Jesus teach about the limits of forgiveness?
There should be no limit — when Peter asked if he should forgive up to seven times, Jesus said 'not seven times, but seventy-seven times' (Matthew 18:21-22).
What does Matthew 6:14-15 teach about forgiveness?
'if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you' — but if you don't forgive, God won't forgive you.
How did Jesus show forgiveness at his crucifixion?
He said: 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing' (Luke 23:34).
Does Christian forgiveness replace punishment for a crime?
No — forgiveness is not in place of punishment; justice must still be done, but the aim should be reform so the offender can change and be forgiven.
Define restorative justice.
Bringing an offender together with the victim of a crime to try to restore peace — seeing the effects on victims can help reform behaviour.
What is the Sycamore Tree programme?
A victim awareness programme run by the Christian organisation Prison Fellowship, where victims of crime talk to offenders.
What are the two categories of forgiveness in Islam?
Forgiveness from God (only Allah can truly forgive, for those truly sorry) and forgiveness from humans (forgiving those who ask, so goodness overcomes evil).
Why do Muslims believe they should forgive others?
Because Allah is compassionate and merciful and forgives, so they should follow this example — 'Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not wish that God should forgive you?' (Qur'an 24:22).
The Hadith teaches: 'Pardon each other's faults and God will grant you ______.'
The Hadith teaches: 'Pardon each other's faults and God will grant you honour.'
Does forgiveness in Islam mean criminals go unpunished?
No — punishment still achieves justice and acts as a deterrent; offenders may be helped to reform, and for some sentences may be forgiven if they pay compensation.
Why might forgiveness be very hard for victims, and what might Christians do?
Forgiving serious crime can be very hard, even impossible; some Christians turn to prayer, hoping God will help them cope and find peace.
True or False?
In Islam, forgiveness from Allah is guaranteed regardless of whether a person repents.
False.
Allah will only forgive those who are truly sorry and intend to follow the faith properly in future.
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