Analyse the moral issues arising from UK responses to crime - Scottish Highers Religious Moral and Philosophical Studies - Question 13 - 2018

UK responses to crime often raise several moral issues, including:

1. Retribution vs. Rehabilitation: The moral dilemma between punishing offenders (retributive justice) and the potential for reform and reintegration into society (rehabilitative justice).

2. Severity of Punishment: Questions arise about the proportionality of punishment, especially concerning the death penalty or life sentences, and whether they serve justice or perpetuate cycles of violence.

3. Victims' Rights vs. Offenders' Rights: Moral considerations often conflict, as the focus on victims can overshadow offenders' rights, leading to harsh penalties without consideration of rehabilitation.

4. Prevention vs. Punishment: The balance between preventing crime (e.g., through social programs) and punishing wrongdoing can raise ethical questions about societal responsibility in addressing root causes of crime.

5. Discrimination in Sentencing: Issues of race, class, and gender bias in the legal system can create moral concerns about fairness and equality under the law.