action which breaks the law; can be against the person (e.g., murder), against property (e.g., vandalism), or against the state (e.g., treason)

the state of being without the things needed for a reasonable quality of life; can be a cause of crime

the environment a child lives in, and the instructions they receive, while they are growing up; can be a cause of crime

Reasons for crime: poverty and upbringing

Religious education

Good and evil intentions

Reasons for crime: mental illness and addiction

Reasons for crime: greed and hate

Opposition to an unjust law

Views about people who commit crime

Views about different types of crime

The aims of punishment

The treatment of criminals: prison and community service

The treatment of criminals: corporal punishment

Different religious views about corporal punishment

The concept of forgiveness

Different religious views about forgiveness

Ethical arguments relating to the death penalty

Different religious views about the death penalty

In this unit pupils will study ideas of crime and how people 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.

Religion, crime and punishment

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

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

the state of being without the things for a reasonable quality of life

the environment a child lives in while they are growing up

Match each keyword to the correct definition.

People in {{}} may turn to crime in order to meet their basic needs.

exposure to crime during their upbringing

Which of these could influence someone to commit a crime?

Most Christian denominations agree that tackling {{}} problems helps prevent crime.

How do Christians approach the prevention of crime?

Some people judge actions by the results, while others consider the {{}} behind them.

Which Christian teaching supports the importance of intention and action?

Some Christians believe humans are damaged by {{}} sin, but others see there’s potential for goodness.

What do many Christians believe suffering can help develop?

Some liberal Christians and humanists believe that suffering cannot {{}} the pain it causes.

Reasons for crime: poverty and upbringing

Lesson outcome

Content guidance