UNIT 8/Law and Justice

Why are laws needed

• protect weak from strong
• so people know how to behave
• to ensure people are treated fairly

Why are law and justice linked

• people might break unfair laws (prohibition)
• bad laws cause violence
• unjust laws might divide society

Retribution

• criminal suffers
• criminal is punished

BUT

• creates resentment and bitterness
• 2 wrongs don't make a right

Deterrence

• puts people off (deters)

BUT

• deterrence doesn't always work
• cold blooded murderers don't think

Reform

• education may prevent reoffending
• education can overcome poor upbringing

BUT

• can be quite expensive
• reoffedning rates are still high

Protection

• society protected from dangerous criminals

BUT

• long prison sentences are expensive

Why do christians value justice

• bible says reward the good
• they believe in helping the poor
• jesus gave to…