the appropriateness of different forms of punishment in achieving the aims of punishment

•young offenders 

          •minor offences don’t go to court

          •age of criminal responsibility is 10 years old

          •most punishments are fines or reparation orders

          •serious ones won’t go to prison, but to a secure training centre 

          •they focus on education and rehabilitation as well as social and educational needs etc. 

          •many question the effectiveness of custody as they are far away from their families

          •religious people like them as they are loving 

•causes of imprisonment 

          •protect society from dangerous criminals

          •isolate those who deserve punishment 

          •stop reoffenders

          •deterrent towards others 

          •offers a chance for reflection

•effects of imprisonment 

          •prisoners can educate others about criminal methods

          •breed resentment towards society

          •most reoffend on release 

          •prison records make it hard to get a job

          •offenders’ families suffer through no fault of their own

          •relationships break down

•implications of life imprisonment 

          •many get released before 

          •prospect of release gives hope - a long term sentence has negative psychological impact

          •victims’ family won’t be pleased as they want it as harsh as possible 

•issues of parole and early release 

          •cases may be reviewed

          •application success depends on behaviour / nature of the offence

          •family members may not be happy

          •doesn’t teach them their lesson properly 

          •may cause people to reoffend as they felt their imprisonment was unfair

          •it gives them a second chance to reform 

•for capital punishment 

          •costs thousands of taxpayers money to keep murderers alive 

          •it deters other people 

          •it completely protects society

          •retribution allows them to get their own back 

          •it shows love for the victims

          •a second chance is not deserved as the victim doesn't get one

          •families may never recover - and they are also innocent 

•against capital punishment 

          •may be innocent 

          •two wrongs don't make a right

          •alternatives e.g prison protect society just as much

          •life imprisonment is just as much of a deterrent 

          •reformed criminals could be a massive influence 

          •only God has the right to end one’s life

          •it doesn't show love for one’s neighbour or enemies 

          •Jesus promoted forgiveness

          •the offender has no chance to reform and become a useful citizen