Ethical arguments relating to the death penalty
I can explain different ethical arguments about the death penalty.
Ethical arguments relating to the death penalty
I can explain different ethical arguments about the death penalty.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The death penalty is banned in the UK but still used in countries like China, Iran and some US states.
- It raises key questions about justice, human rights, deterrence, and the state's right to take life.
- Ethical theories offer different views, with some focusing on justice and duty, and others on consequences and harm.
- Supporters highlight justice and deterrence; critics focus on dignity, mistakes and effectiveness
- UK opinion is divided, with more people opposing reintroduction than supporting it.
Keywords
Death penalty - capital punishment; the execution of a criminal which is sanctioned by the state
Deterrence - 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)
Justice - fairness; working to fix an unfair situation
Common misconception
The death penalty is a good deterrence to crime.
This is widely debated. Many studies show no clear link between the death penalty and lower crime rates, so deterrence cannot be assumed as a justification.
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Ethical arguments relating to the death penalty, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Ethical arguments relating to the death penalty, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Religion, crime and punishment unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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