Aims of Punishment | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Religious Perspectives on Punishment as Retribution

Aims of Punishment

Punishments imposed by courts for law-breaking serve multiple purposes. Judges must consider these purposes when sentencing offenders. The primary aims include retribution, deterrence, and reformation.

Punishment as Retribution

Retribution refers to retaliation or seeking justice by making the offender suffer equivalently to the harm they caused. It aims to make society feel repaid for the offender’s actions. For instance, a murderer might face execution as retribution. This is considered the least constructive aim of punishment.

Christian Views on Retribution

The Old Testament’s “eye for eye, tooth for tooth” (Exodus 21:24) supports retribution, historically embodied in lex talionis, where punishment mirrors the crime’s harm, such as death for murder. However, in the New Testament, Jesus reinterprets this, stating, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth,’ but I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:38-39). Consequently, most Christians reject literal retribution, favoring punishments proportionate to the crime but emphasizing more positive aims.

Muslim Views on Retribution

Muslims adhere to the Qur’an’s teachings, which state, “We prescribed for them a life for a life, an eye for an eye … a tooth for a tooth, an equal wound for a wound … those who do not judge according to what God has revealed are doing wrong” (Qur’an 5:44-47). Retribution is acceptable if it matches, but does not exceed, the offense. This is because:

• Punishments uphold justice, reflecting Allah’s just nature.
• Crimes against Shari’ah law are seen as offenses against Allah. In Shari’ah-governed countries, retribution is enacted on Allah’s behalf. Ultimate judgment, however, comes from Allah in the afterlife. For Al-Jinayaat crimes, victims or families can show mercy by accepting compensation, sparing the offender from death and absolving them of divine punishment.

Religious Perspectives on Punishment as Deterrence

Punishment as Deterrence

• Deterrence aims to discourage crime by punishing offenders severely, dissuading others and the offender from future crimes. 
• Historically, public punishments served as warnings to deter potential offenders.

Christian Views on Deterrence

• Christians oppose public punishment or shaming as deterrence, believing all humans deserve respect. 
• They reject punishments causing physical harm or violating basic rights but support deterrence as a principle to prevent crime.

Muslim Views on Deterrence

• The Qur’an endorses deterrence, stating, “As to the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands: a punishment by way of example, from God of their crime” (Qur’an 5:41). 
• In some Muslim countries, public punishments are used to deter others from similar offenses.

Religious Perspectives on Punishment as Reformation

Punishment as Reformation

Reformation focuses on changing the offender’s behavior, helping them recognize their wrongs and adopt law-abiding ways. Punishments should offer opportunities for education, skill development, and rehabilitation, as emphasized in the UK justice system.

Christian Views on Reformation

• Christians prioritize reformation, aligning with teachings on original sin—that all have sinned but can repent and be redeemed. 
• Jesus exemplified this by forgiving a criminal at his crucifixion, saying, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). Saint Paul encouraged reformation over retribution, writing, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. \
• On the contrary, ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21). Punishment should include opportunities for reform, not just retribution.

Muslim Views on Reformation

• Islam supports reformation if the offender repents, reflecting Allah’s forgiving and merciful nature. 
• The Qur’an states, “If anyone repents after his wrongdoing and makes amends, God will accept his repentance: God is most forgiving, most merciful” (Qur’an 5:39). 
• It also offers hope for forgiveness in the afterlife: “If you avoid the great sins you have been forbidden, we shall wipe out your minor misdeeds and let you in through the entrance of honour” (Qur’an 4:31). 
• Offenders should be given chances to reform and improve their behavior.