Punishment and Death Penalty

• Deterrence - to stop other people from committing the same crime
• Protection - safety of the society from the criminal
• Reformation - help criminal to become a better person
• Retribution - revenge for the crime
• Reparation - to allow the criminal to 'pay' for what they have done and have their guilt wiped out so they can make a fresh start
• Vindication - to ensure that people respect the law

UK abolished the capital punishment in 1965.

The Church of England believes the justice system must be merciful but should show that wrongdoing will be punished.

Roman Catholic Church has never said officially that capital punishment is wrong.

Quakers oppose capital punishment.

• 'Show no pity: life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot. (Deuteronomy)  No more, no less.
• The weak should be protected so cp ensures this
• Ensures the criminal to never repeat the crimes; no one has to worry when the criminal is released
• Kinder than life imprisonment
• Public might feel justice has been done
• Deter other people from committing the same crimes

• Jesus says 'Forgive others'.
• Bible teaches that people should be forgiving and that people should not kill.
• Damaging effect on the executioner.
• Leaves no chance for reformation for the criminal
• Family of the offender might suffer more than the criminal
• The criminal might be wrongly convicted
• Jesus also says 'Do not judge, or you to will be judged. For in the same way as you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measure to you. (Matthew)'

Quakers are strongly against capital punishment.