Views about people who break the law

The Christian perspective

• Christians believe that law breakers should be forgiven and given a second chance but they need to be punished as well during which time they are helped to reform.

'A man reaps what he sows' (Galatians)

• Christians believe they should work with people to discourage reoffending and although poverty cannot be used as an excuse for breaking the law trying to reduce poverty and bad social conditions may prevent law-breaking.
• Christians believe that lawbreakers should be encouraged and helped to repent (say sorry) leading to forgiveness.

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For . . . I was in prison and you came to visit me."

Society's Opinion on People Who Commit Crimes Due to Various Reasons

Poverty and Upbringing:

• Sympathy and Understanding: Society often views crimes committed due to poverty with some degree of sympathy or understanding. People recognize that individuals living in poverty may commit crimes out of desperation or necessity, such as stealing food to survive.
• Call for Social Reform: Many believe that addressing poverty through social reform and better support systems could reduce crime rates. There is often a focus on improving economic opportunities and access to resources to prevent crime.

Upbringing:

• Impact of Environment: Society generally acknowledges that a person's upbringing can significantly impact their likelihood of committing crimes. A dysfunctional family environment, exposure to violence, or lack of positive role models can lead to criminal behavior.
• Prevention Focus: There is a strong emphasis on the importance of early intervention, education, and support for families to prevent future criminal behavior. Programs aimed at improving parenting skills and providing a stable environment for children are often seen as key to reducing crime.

Mental Illness and Addiction:

• Mental Illness:
  • Compassionate View: Society tends to view crimes committed by individuals with mental illness with compassion, understanding that their actions may be influenced by their condition. There is a recognition that mental health issues can impair judgment and self-control.
  • Need for Treatment: Many advocate for mental health treatment rather than punishment for those who commit crimes due to mental illness. The focus is on rehabilitation and providing appropriate care rather than solely relying on incarceration.
• Addiction:
  • Mixed Reactions: Society's view on crimes committed due to addiction is mixed. Some see addiction as a disease that requires treatment and rehabilitation, while others view it as a choice, leading to less sympathy for crimes committed under its influence.
  • Rehabilitation Emphasis: There is a growing recognition that addiction should be treated as a health issue rather than purely a criminal one. Rehabilitation programs and support for overcoming addiction are seen as more effective in reducing crime than punishment alone.

Greed and Hate:

• Greed:
  • Condemnation: Crimes committed out of greed, such as theft, fraud, or corruption, are generally condemned by society. Greed is often seen as a selfish motive, and there is little sympathy for those who commit crimes purely for personal gain.
  • Harsh Punishment: Society tends to support harsher punishments for crimes driven by greed, viewing them as a deliberate choice to harm others for personal benefit.
• Hate:
  • Strong Condemnation: Crimes motivated by hate, such as hate crimes or acts of violence against certain groups, are strongly condemned by society. Hate crimes are seen as particularly damaging because they target individuals or communities based on characteristics like race, religion, or sexuality.
  • Legal and Social Consequences: There is often support for severe legal penalties and societal backlash against those who commit hate crimes. Education and awareness programs are also promoted to combat hate and promote tolerance.

Opposition to an Unjust Law:

• Civil Disobedience:
  • Mixed Views: Society's opinion on those who commit crimes in opposition to an unjust law is divided. Some view such actions as morally justified, especially if the law in question is widely seen as oppressive or unethical.
  • Historical Examples: Figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Gandhi are often cited as examples of individuals who broke the law to fight for justice, and their actions are generally respected and admired.
  • Legal Consequences: Despite the moral arguments, those who break the law, even in opposition to injustice, still face legal consequences. However, these individuals may receive public support and advocacy for changes to the law in question.

Christian views on the treatment of criminals:

• The law has the responsibility to punish and care for criminals whilst trying to reform them.
• Christians believe in love, help and reform.
• Christians believe lawbreakers should be forgiven and given a second chance, but they also need to be punished and helped to reform.
• They emphasize the importance of repentance, which leads to forgiveness.
• Most Christians believe that inhumane treatment of offenders is wrong and that they should be helped to change their ways to prevent reoffending.

Islamic views on the treatment of criminals:

• Islam emphasizes justice but also encourages mercy.
• Islam emphasises the importance of people and criminals taking accountability for their actions.
• The death penalty is used in some Muslim-majority countries for serious crimes like murder and rape, but victims or their families are encouraged to show mercy by accepting compensation, reducing the penalty from death to imprisonment.
• The Qur'an supports both justice and forgiveness, as seen in verses like "We ordained for them; life for life" (Qur'an).