Theme E
Reasons for crime
Religion, crime and the causes of crime
Good and evil intentions and actions, including whether it can ever be good to cause suffering
Reasons for crime, including:
-
- poverty and upbringing
- mental illness and addiction
- greed and hate
Good & evil
Give two examples of religious moral laws which some criminals break. (2)
Spec 1
Any of the Ten commandments for example, including do not steal / Lord’s name in vain / murder / commit adultery / lie / drunk
Reasons for crime
Give two causes of crime. (2)
2018
Poverty / upbringing / addiction / alcohol / drugs / greed / hate / opposition to an unjust law / boredom / peer pressure / social / economic eg. stealing to feed their hungry children / psychological reasons eg. mental illness, etc.
Give two reasons why some religious people may break the law. (2)
2020
Poverty / upbringing / mental illness / addiction / greed / hate / opposition to an unjust law / jealousy / ignorance / the law may be against their faith / because of their conscience, etc.
Explain two contrasting religious views about how people who commit a crime because of an addiction should be treated. (4)
2019
Even in the case of an addict, the following may be considered appropriate – those who break the law deserve to be punished / commensurate with the crime / victims of the crimes need to see that justice has been done / there needs to be a deterrent to protect society or offenders will come up with many different excuses for breaking the law / addicts need to take personal responsibility for their actions, etc.
Most religions recognise that addicts need help to overcome their addiction / rehabilitation may be more helpful and appropriate than simply punishing offenders / rehabilitation may help the offender reform and change their lifestyle / allowances should be made as addicts are unable to make good decisions while addicted, etc.
Christianity
Christians recognise that addicts may resort to stealing in order to purchase the drugs their body craves / however the law exists to protect the rights and security of all citizens / some believe that the punishment should be as severe as the crime committed in order to act as a deterrent / some believe that it is more important that addicts should be helped to change their ways than be punished severely / some have set up rehabilitation centres to help addicts reform, etc.
Judaism
Although many people become addicted to alcohol and many commit crimes as a result, Jews do not forbid drinking alcohol but discourage drinking to excess / Jewish attitudes to addicts who commit crimes are a mixture of mercy and justice / punishments need to reflect the severity of the crime / the Torah warns people not to break the law and punishments should be a deterrent / addicts should be helped to change so that when their punishment for breaking the law is over they do not reoffend, etc.
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