capital punishment; the execution of a criminal which is sanctioned by the state

aim of punishment; the threat of punishment as a way to put a person off committing crime (e.g. knowing they could go to prison if they steal)

fairness; working to fix an unfair situation

Islam and the death penalty

Religious education

Christianity and crime

Christianity and the aims of punishment

Christianity and types of punishment

Christianity and the death penalty

Christian attitudes to forgiveness

Christian teachings about good and evil

Christianity and suffering

Muslim attitudes to forgiveness

In this unit pupils will study ideas of crime and how Christians and Muslims may view crime is caused. From that, they will examine different ideas of punishing crime and treating criminals focussing especially on a case study of the death penalty and ideas of forgiveness.

Issues of Good and Evil

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Non-religious thinkers often use ethical {{}} to assess the morality of the death penalty.

What is emphasised alongside justice in Islam?

The Qur'an encourages {{}} and compensation rather than insisting on the death penalty.

It is permitted but only under strict conditions.

Which statement best describes Islamic law on the death penalty?

Some believe forgiveness avoids justice, but others see it as essential to {{}}.

Where is forgiveness taught in Islamic tradition?

Muslim prison chaplains help inmates by giving spiritual {{}} and guidance.

It reflects values of justice, mercy, and personal responsibility.

Starter Quiz

What is forgiveness?