Punishment & Justice (WJEC Eduqas GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

What are the aims of punishment?

• Whatever the causes of crime, people generally accept the need for punishment to have some kind of aim

• There are six main aims of punishment

• Retribution, which means retaliation or getting your own back

  • Retribution as an aim of punishment means that society gets its own back on the offender and makes them pay for their offence. It is a form of revenge

• Reparation, which means repairing the damage

  • Criminals should put right the damage they caused to show that they are sorry

• Reformation, which means reform or change

  • The offender sees what they have done wrong and has the opportunity to change their approach and way of life

• Protection, which means that punishments should keep criminals away from society

  • This means they cannot hurt others, and innocent people are protected

  • Criminals themselves may also need protection

• Justice, which means that the law is being upheld and justified

  • It reminds people that the law protects them and provides assurance that it is keeping them safe

• Deterrence, which means putting people off something

  • Seeing others severely punished for a crime might put others off committing that crime

  • It might deter or put off the criminal from reoffending

What is justice?

• Justice means fairness. It is seen as key to maintaining a moral society

• Most people would consider justice to be achieved when a criminal is:

  • Caught

  • Fairly tried in court

  • Given a punishment appropriate to their crime

• Justice requires some form of punishment that addresses the cause of the crime and reflects its severity

  • For example, it would be unjust to condemn a drug addict who shoplifted to get money because of their addiction to life in a maximum security prison. It would also be unjust to give a murderer a community service order

Christian attitudes to punishment and justice

• Christians believe that everyone was created with free will to accept or reject God’s teachings

• If people sin or commit crimes, then justice is important. The Bible teaches the following:

• However, justice should always include mercy

• Christians believe God is just and that justice should reflect his nature

• Christianity teaches forgiveness, compassion and fairness

  • Jesus taught forgiveness rather than revenge and forgave those who betrayed and crucified him

• Most Christians believe punishment should help people reform rather than simply make them suffer 

  • People should be treated fairly and given the chance to change

  • Many support restorative justice, where offenders repair the harm they caused and work towards forgiveness

• This reflects the belief that all people are sinners who can repent and be forgiven

  • Jesus forgave a criminal on the cross and said:

• Christians believe society should address the causes of crime, such as poverty or unemployment, to promote social justice and reduce wrongdoing

• Christians support justice but reject cruelty or humiliation as punishment. Every person deserves respect because all are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27)

Muslim attitudes to punishment and justice

• Muslims believe that everyone has free will to choose between good and evil deeds

• Allah sets the rules and shows people the way to behave

• If people commit crimes, justice is vital to protect society and maintain law and order

• However, justice should always include mercy and forgiveness because of the nature of Allah

• Allah is known as:

  • The Merciful (Ar-Rahman)

  • The Compassionate (Ar-Rahmin)

  • The Generous (Al-Karim)

• Punishment is part of Islam, but only Allah can remove sin

• Muslims believe offenders should repent, reform and seek forgiveness from Allah and those they have harmed

• Muslims follow Shari’ah law, based on the Qur’an and Sunnah, which sets out how to live and the punishments for breaking laws

• Retribution is allowed if it is fair and equal

• But Muslims are encouraged to show mercy and accept compensation where possible

• Punishments may act as a deterrent, warning others not to commit crimes

• Reformation is also important, as Allah forgives those who truly repent and change their ways

• Muslims believe Allah is the final judge, and ultimate justice will come on the Day of Judgment when everyone is accountable for their choices