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Year 11
AQA

The treatment of criminals: corporal punishment

I can explain ethical arguments about corporal punishment

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New
New
Year 11
AQA

The treatment of criminals: corporal punishment

I can explain ethical arguments about corporal punishment

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Corporal punishment is physical punishment used in some homes, schools and legal systems.
  2. Many argue it breaks Article 5 of the UDHR, which bans cruel and degrading treatment.
  3. It can harm both the body and emotions, damaging dignity and trust.
  4. Supporters may value it for deterrence or retribution.
  5. Critics say it normalises violence and prevents reform and undermines human rights.

Keywords

  • Corporal punishment - punishment in which physical pain is inflicted on the criminal

  • Dignity - the worth and value of each human life

  • Human rights - the rights a person should be entitled to simply because they are a human being, e.g. education, fair treatment etc.

Common misconception

Corporal punishment is banned everywhere.

It is still legal in over 100 countries in the home, in some schools (including 17 US states), and as a criminal sentence in around 30–35 countries.


To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: The treatment of criminals: corporal punishment, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Set ground rules for debates, some students may be particularly vulnerable to discussions about corporal punishment of children
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
The Commandments include rules like ‘Do not steal’ and ‘Do not kill’, which are directly related to crime.

Correct Answer: Ten, ten, 10

Q2.
Jesus taught that if someone repents, we should them.

Correct Answer: forgive, Forgive

Q3.
What is one Christian reason for supporting community service?

Correct answer: It leads to reparation
It is a harsh punishment
It removes liberty

Q4.
Which aim of punishment shows the importance of the law?

Protection
Reformation
Correct answer: Vindication

Q5.
Why do some Christians think prison is better punishment than community service?

It helps criminals reform
Correct answer: It protects society
It allows reparation

Q6.
What can prison offer to help criminals reform?

Correct answer: Education and counselling
Guaranteed forgiveness
A chance to escape punishment

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Many argue corporal punishment breaks 5 of the UDHR.

Correct Answer: Article, article

Q2.
Some people support corporal punishment for deterrence or .

Correct Answer: retribution, Retribution

Q3.
Critics say corporal punishment can lead to of power by the state.

Correct Answer: abuse

Q4.
Corporal punishment impacts the of a person.

Correct Answer: dignity

Q5.
What is one argument against corporal punishment?

It always reforms criminals
It protects dignity and rights
Correct answer: It can normalise violence in society

Q6.
Is corporal punishment is banned everywhere?

Correct answer: No, it remains legal in over 100 countries
No, it is allowed everywhere
Yes, an international law banned it completely