Crime and Punishment

    WJEC
    GCSE

    Analyze the ethical and theological tensions between state-sanctioned punishment and religious imperatives regarding justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life. Evaluate the application of specific aims of punishment—retribution, deterrence, reformation, and protection—through the lens of divergent scriptural interpretations (e.g., literalist vs. liberal) and contemporary case studies. Assess the compatibility of religious concepts of forgiveness with secular penal systems.

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    3
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Lex Talionis (Law of Retaliation/Exodus 21)
    • Sanctity of Life (Genesis 1:27 / Imago Dei)
    • Elizabeth Fry (19th Century Prison Reformer)
    • Abolition of the Death Penalty in the UK (1965/1998)
    • The four aims of punishment: Deterrence, Retribution, Reformation, Protection

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have stated the religious view; now explain *why* they hold this view using a specific source of wisdom"
    • "Your evaluation needs to weigh the arguments: which side is stronger and why?"
    • "Differentiate between Old Testament (Retributive) and New Testament (Reformative) teachings to show depth"
    • "Ensure you explicitly name the aim of punishment you are discussing (e.g., Reformation) rather than describing it vaguely"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise definitions of the four aims of punishment: retribution, deterrence, reformation, and protection
    • Credit specific references to Sources of Wisdom and Authority, such as Exodus 21:24 ('Eye for an eye') or Matthew 18:21-22 (Parable of the Unmerciful Servant)
    • Candidates must distinguish between 'crime' (violation of state law) and 'sin' (violation of religious law) where relevant
    • In 'Discuss' questions, credit responses that evaluate the validity of arguments, rather than merely listing opposing views

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡For (c) 'Explain' questions, use two distinct P.E.E. (Point, Evidence, Explanation) paragraphs; do not evaluate
    • 💡In (d) 'Discuss' questions, ensure you include non-religious arguments (e.g., cost of prison, protection of society) alongside religious teachings
    • 💡Allocate approximately 20-25 minutes for the (d) question as it carries 50% of the marks for the section
    • 💡Memorize short, versatile quotes like 'Turn the other cheek' or 'Do not kill' that can apply to multiple sub-topics

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing 'retribution' (justice/proportionality) with 'revenge' (personal emotional response)
    • Asserting that 'all Christians oppose the death penalty' without acknowledging divergent views (e.g., literalist vs. liberal interpretations)
    • Failing to provide a reasoned judgment or conclusion in the (d) question (15 marks)

    Study Guide Available

    Comprehensive revision notes & examples

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    What is
    Describe
    Explain
    Discuss
    Evaluate
    Compare

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