Religious Education Topic
Capital Punishment
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Study focus - 3 things
- Capital punishment means the death penalty carried out by the state
- Supporters may argue justice, deterrence, and protection of society
- Opponents may argue sanctity of life, forgiveness, mistakes, and human rights
Section 1What it means
Capital punishment is when the state executes a person as punishment for a serious crime. It is also called the death penalty. In RE, the focus is the moral debate, not graphic details.
Section 2Arguments for
Some supporters say capital punishment gives justice for very serious crimes. Some argue it may deter crime or protect society from dangerous offenders. Watch out: deterrence means discouraging others from committing crime.
Section 3Arguments against
Opponents may argue that life is sacred, mistakes can happen, punishment should allow reform, and the state should not kill. Some religious views stress mercy, forgiveness, and the possibility of repentance.
Section 4Balanced exam answers
The thing to remember is that ethical questions need reasons. A strong answer explains both sides before giving a conclusion if asked. Avoid slogans only; explain the value behind the view.
Examples
A student argues capital punishment protects society from dangerous criminals. Is this an argument for or against?
It is an argument for capital punishment because it focuses on public protection.
A student argues an innocent person could be executed by mistake. Is this an argument for or against?
It is an argument against capital punishment because execution cannot be undone if the court is wrong.
Now let's water it
Session runs notes to flashcards to quiz back-to-back.