Crime and Punishment:

A crime is an offence that breaks the law set by the government. People who commit crimes face legal consequences.

In the UK, people who commit crimes are arrested and questioned by the police. They then appear before a court where a judge or jury determines their punishment,(which is
something done legally to somebody as a result of being found being guilty of breaking the law). The most serious crimes are punished with a life sentence in prison, while less
serious ones might result in a shorter time in prison, community service or a fine. No legal punishment is allowed to deliberately cause harm to the offender.
Good and evil intentions and actions:

Some people assume a good action is an action that does not break the law. However, there are also many good actions which exists outside the law, such as giving to charity or
helping people in need.
Likewise, there are some actions that are not against the law but might be considered evil by some people, such as adultery or abortion. Generally, evil actions are considered to
cause suffering and harm to others.

Religion, Crime and The Law:

Christian views about Good and evil intentions and actions
• Teachings in the Bible warned against having any evil or
wrong thoughts and intentions.
• “You have heard that it was said, you shall knock me
adultery, but I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman
lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his
heart”. Matthew 5:27-28
• Evil actions, such as using violence, are considered to be
simple and against God.
• Many Christians would claim there is no such thing as an
evil person because God created people to be good.
• However, because of original sin, all humans have a
tendency to do evil things, even though they are not evil
in themselves.
Punishment
Buddhist views about Good and evil intentions and actions
• Buddhism doesn't genuinely speak of good and evil, but
rather skillful an unskilled actions and intentions.
• Not one skillful actions are illegal. For instance, is not
illegal to be unkind to someone.
• Equally, not all skillful actions are legal. There are
countries where it is illegal to practise Buddhism, for
instance.
• The principle of, teaches that the intention behind an
action is very important.
• Weather in action causes harm to someone or agrees
with the five more precepts can help to determine if it is
skillful or not.
• Buddhists believe it is correct to follow the law unless this
seriously restricts their capacity to act in a skilful way.
There are many state laws which coincide with
religious law, for example, in the Ten
Commandments it says ‘Do not steal’ and ‘Do
not kill’, and in the Buddhist Five Moral
precepts it says ‘I abstain from taking life, and
‘I abstain from taking what is not freely given.
These are also state laws.
On the other hand, some religious laws are not
featured in state law, for example although the
Bible prohibits homosexuality, it is no longer a
crime in the UK. The Bible also tells us to keep
the Sabbath holy, but in the UK, it is
permissible to work on a Sunday. We no longer
expect people to ‘worship only one God’, and
we do not consider coveting our neighbour’s
possessions a crime.
Reasons for Crime:
Christians and Buddhists believe crime is rarely justified
• Upbringing – if a child has been brought up in a criminal
family, or in a criminal neighbourhood, then they may not
regard criminal activity as a negative thing – it is just a way of
life.
• Poverty – a crime is committed because they see this as the
only way to survive.
• Greed – people commit crimes because they are jealous of
those who have more money or better possessions, and want
more for themselves
• Hate – someone may steal from or damage the possessions of
the person they dislike. They may also physically harm the
person themselves, or someone they love.
• Addiction – drugs, gambling etc. means that the addict must
commit crimes to find the money to feed their addiction.
• Mental illness – some mental disorders mean that the criminal
has no empathy, and will never understand that they have
hurt someone, or that what they did was wrong; others
cannot help but act impulsively. They may regret their actions
later but were not truly aware of what they are doing at the
time. Some people with learning issues may be very gullible
and easily led.
• Opposition to an unjust law/Protest – Some people
deliberately break the law as a form of protest, for example
the suffragettes committed arson, smashed windows, and
damaged paintings in their campaign for women’s votes.
Martin Luther King held illegal gatherings and marches in his
stand against segregation
Christianity and the reasons for Crime:
• Christians believe that since The Fall (when Adam and Eve ate
the apple) mankind has ‘original sin’, so we are all inclined to
be greedy and selfish.
• This means that we should not judge others, but that we
should recognise that we also commit ‘sins.
Buddhism and the reasons for Crime:
• Buddhists talk about ‘dependent arising’ – the idea that
everything is inter-related. If someone is causing trouble, this
is in some way related to all of us – we could become victims,
but we might also be an indirect cause of their poor decision.
For example, if we spend our money conspicuously we could
Religion, Crime and cause jealousy, which leads to theft; if we anger somebody
Punishment (e.g. by picking an argument with a stranger) then this could
cause a build up of frustration which later leads to violence.
• Buddha argues that suffering is rooted in the 3 poisons of
greed, hate and ignorance – these lead to theft, murder, anti-
social behaviour . . . If we realise that the ‘self’ is constantly
changing (anatta) we will become less selfish and greedy and
therefore more compassionate.
• The second Noble Truth recognises that the cause of all
suffering is desire. When we realise that everything is
changing (anicca) then we will no longer desire possessions
and money (which often lead to crime) because we will realise
that these things do not last.
Religious attitudes to lawbreakers and different types of crime:
Christians believe criminals should be punished according to the law,
but also treated compassionately.
Buddhism does not agree with the idea of punishment. Although
accepts the need to protect society from offenders, most Buddhists
preferred to focus on the rehabilitation and reformation of offenders.
Religious attitudes to lawbreakers: Religion, Crime and
Punishment
Christianity –
Many Christians may disapprove of the crime, but don't hate the
criminal who committed it, they believe that:
1. Offenders must be punished by the law, according to how serious
the crime was.
2. Offenders have basic rights so should not be given a punishment
that is inhumane or harmful.
3. Through that punishment, offenders should be helped to become
responsible members of society so they do not reoffend.
4. The power bill of the sheep and the goats teach that helping
prisoners is good.
Buddhism –
Buddhism does not favour the idea of punishment as it is rooted in the
idea of vengeance and causes suffering to the offender. However,
Buddhist do believe there will be consequences for people who act on
skilfully either because of the law, because of the principle of karma.
Buddhism also teaches that everyone can change, so the rehabilitation
and reformation of the offender is important. For example, Buddhist
scriptures describe how the murderer Angulimala had killed many
people. When he met the Buddha, the Buddha did not try to punish
him for his crimes. Instead he encouraged. Angulimala to live a better
life. He then gave up crime and became a follower of the Buddha.
Different types of crime:
Crimes against the person – murder, rape, GBH, hate crimes
Crimes against property – arson, burglary, trespassing
Crimes against the state – terrorism, selling state secrets
Aims of Punishment:
1. Reformation (to change someone’s behaviour for the better) - rehabilitation, education (helping
the criminal get qualifications or training), being placed on probation (meeting weekly with a
social worker etc.) Reformation obviously benefits the prisoner but it also benefits society as
he/she is less likely to re-offend. It is less costly than keeping someone in prison for an extended
period, and it also costs less money when they finally leave prison because they will (hopefully)
not take up more police and court time.
2. Deterrence (to put people off committing crimes) - corporal and capital punishment, harsh jail
sentences etc. This will put others off committing similar crimes
3. Retribution (to get your own back)- an eye for an eye – e.g. the death penalty for murder
4. Protection - to take a criminal ‘off the streets’ so he can’t harm others – e.g. a jail sentence,
curfew with electronic tag, banned from a certain area or banned from driving etc.
Christian views Buddhist views
Reformation Most Christians favour reformation Criminals should be encouraged to change
because it is positive and works with and become more responsible, as Buddhism
individuals to improve their life favours a justice system where criminals are
chances. encouraged to change and become more
responsible.
Deterrence They don’t support punishments that Deterrence may not work if people are in grip
are extremely harsh. Also they oppose of the 3 poisons. Buddhists might agree its
carrying out punishments in public important to protect society for certain
because these could humiliate people, by imprisoning them
offenders rather than treating them
with respect
Retribution Many Christians focus on less harmful Its wrong because it’s a form of violence
and more positive punishments
Religious attitudes to suffering and causing suffering to
others:
Christians and Buddhists believe in not causing suffering to
others.
They also believe it's important to help those who are
suffering.
For Christians, suffering is not caused by God, but is a result
of human free will. For Buddhist, suffering is simply an
inevitable part of life.
Christian attitudes towards suffering:
• Whatever the cause Christians believe they have a duty
to help those who are suffering.
• Christians tried to follow the example of Jesus.
• Christians should also try not to cause others to suffer.
• When they do cause others to suffer, they should
apologise and try to repair the damage they caused.
• Where is unavoidable, suffering may strengthen a
persons character of faith.
• “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that
suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,
character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4
Buddhist attitudes towards suffering:
• The main goal of Buddhism is to overcome suffering and
achieve enlightenment.
• Buddhism teaches suffering is an inevitable part of life.
• Buddhist aim to overcome suffering by first accepting it
is a fact of existence and then following the Eightfold
Path or other Buddhist teachings.
• But is trying to avoid causing others to suffer.
Religious attitudes to the treatment of criminals:
Prison – secure building where offenders are cats for period of time set by a judge. Main punishment is a loss of
liberty. Prisoners are locked in cells for some of the day and have to do manual work for little money.
Corporal punishment - is punishment that causes physical pain. It's considered to be a breach of human right
laws and is illegal in the UK and many other countries. Muslim countries such as Iran and Saudi Arabia used
corporal punishment for offenders such as gambling and sexual promiscuity.
Community service - He's a way of punishing offenders by making him do unpaid work in the community. It is
approved by most Christians and Buddhists. He includes work in the communities such as cleaning, graffiti,
decorating or cleaning. Wasteland is used for minor offences such as vandalism or benefit fraud. It may include
treatment for addiction and mental conditions, counselling and education.
Religion, Crime and
Punishment
Christian views Buddhist views
Prison Many Christians support the use of prisons for The primary aim of prison should be to
more serious crimes. They also believe prisoners protect society from dangerous criminals.
should be treated well and involved in positive Prison may also provide time and space for
activities and education that help them to reform. rehabilitation.
Corporal Christians do not support corporal punishment. It Corporal Punishment expresses violence
punishment does not seek to reform an offender, so it can be and encourages resentment rather than
seen as a negative and harmful punishment. It reformation. It does not solve the
does not show respect for the individual. underlying cause of crime.
Community Most Christians approve of community services, Most Buddhists approve of community
service allows offenders to make up for what they have service that helps to rehabilitate the
done wrong, deterred them from committing criminal. It needs to directly address the
future offences and. Reforms and by making them crime and help the criminals see the
realise the consequences of their actions. impacts of their actions.
Religious attitudes to forgiveness:

Christians and Buddhists emphasise the importance of forgiveness (showing mercy and pardoning someone for what they have done wrong). Many Christians believe
forgiveness isn’t a replacement for punishment.
Christian attitudes towards forgiveness:

Forgiveness is a key belief in Christianity. Jesus taught forgiveness and showed it in his actions:
• When he was dying on the cross, Jesus forgave those who crucified him: “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” Luke 23:24
• When asked how many times a person should be forgiven, Jesus said “not seven times, but twenty seven times” Matthew 18:21-22. Christians interpret this to mean there
should be no limit to the amount of forgiveness they show to someone.

The lord’s prayer shows that Christians believe God expects them to show forgiveness to others. In turn, God will forgive them for the sins they commit (“Forgive us our sins as
we forgive those who sin against us”).

Many Christians argue that forgiveness should not be a replacement for punishment. They believe the offender should be give should be forgiven as far as possible, but should
also be punished to ensure justice is done (and to help the offender reform themselves).

Religion, Crime and

Buddhist attitudes towards forgiveness: Punishment
• For Buddhists, forgiveness involves letting go of anger and resentment, as well as a desire for the offender to suffer through punishment.
• Buddhism teaches that if people do not forgive, they will suffer because they will continue to be angry and resentful. This means people should also forgive others for the
sake of their own health and welfare.
• For giving a criminal does not mean that actions will not have consequences. They will still be punished by the law or because of the principle of karma, which says the
unskilful actions lead to suffering.
• Someone who has acted on skillfully should confess and apologise before hoping for forgiveness.
• Once someone has confessed, it's considered to be unskillful not to accept their apology.
• Apology and forgiveness can sometimes bring about reconciliation.
• “He abused me, he struck me, he overcame me, he robed me”. Of those who wrap themselves up in it, hatred is not quenched. The Buddha in the Dhammapada, verse 3
Religious attitudes to the death penalty: Christian views Buddhist views

The death penalty is when a criminal is put to death for their crime. • The sanctity of life is the idea • Most Buddhist oppose the
Many Christians and Buddhists oppose the death penalty. that all life is holy as it is death penalty because it
created by God and only God breaks the first moral precept
Arguments for and against the death penalty: can take it away. This and does not allow the
teaching is used to oppose possibility of rehabilitation.
The death penalty was abolished in the UK in 1969. Its also illegal in the death penalty. • It also makes revenge part of
most of Europe, but it still exists in some states in the USA, China and • Ezekiel 33:11 Teachers that the criminal justice system.
in many Muslim countries, such as Saudi Arabia. wrongdoers should be • It is not possible to relieve
reformed, not executed. the suffering of the victim by
For death penalty Against death penalty • Some Christians agree with making the offender suffer.
the death penalty and use • Thailand, a largely Buddhist
• The principle of utility States • There is a chance of killing an
teachings from the Old country, has capital
and action is right if it innocent person.
Testament to support their punishment for more than 30
produces the maximum • There is little evidence the
views. crimes. This shows that
happiness for the greatest death penalty is an effective Religion, Crime and • “Whoever sheds human Buddhist principles don't
number of people affected deterrent. Often the threat of
by it. If the use of the death punishment doesn't enter Punishment blood by humans, shall their always impact or government
blood be shed.” policy.
penalty is proven to protect into the murderous thinking.
society, therefore creating • Is not right to take another
happiness for a greater persons life. This does not
number of people, it can be show forgiveness or
justified. compassion.
• It is justified retribution for • Society can still be protected
people who commit the by imprisoning criminals
worst possible crimes. instead of executing them.
• It protects society by
removing the worst criminals
so they can't cause harm
again.
Quotes for Crime and Punishment:
Causes of Crime:
1. ‘Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.’

Attitudes to Law Breakers:

1. ‘There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
2. 2. ‘For I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Aims of Punishment:
1. ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’
2. “You have heard ‘an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth’…but I say ‘an eye for an eye makes the world blind.” (Ghandi)

Suffering:
1.’ Love thy neighbour.’
2. ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.’

Treatment of Criminals:
1. ‘He who spared the rod, hates their children.’
2. ‘Treat others how you would like to be treated.’

Forgiveness:
1. ‘Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.’
2. 2. ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times? I tell you not seven times, but seventy times seven.’

Capital punishment
1. ‘Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall their blood be shed.’
2. ‘Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.’
3. ‘Pray for those who persecute you.’
4. “Love your brother 70x7’
5. Sanctity of Life