Reformation is the best aim of punishment (2024)

Reformation is the best aim of punishment

Advantages

• Reformation aims to use punishment that helps offenders to give up crime and realise their behaviour is harmful. This may involve therapy and counselling community service and meeting the victims.
• It is hoped offenders will change their attitude and become law-abiding members of society. The parable of the lost son (Luke 15). Christians believe that they should be open to criminal reforming and should want to accept them back into society.
• Most Christians favour reformation over other aims of punishment because it is positive rather than negative and works with individuals to improve their life chances. It should not be a replacement for punishments but should happen alongside punishment. ‘Turn...the other cheek’ (Matthew 5:39 NIV). Christians believe that reformation is important as it is being merciful: ‘...if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that spirit gently’ (Galatians 6:1 NIV). Furthermore, some Christians are against retribution because; ‘in John 8, a woman who was accused of adultery was saved by Jesus when he said: ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her’ (John 8:7 NIV). Jesus is saying that people should look at their own behaviour before criticising others.
• A criminal should be encouraged to recognise the suffering they have caused, apologise to their victims and even undertake corrective action.
• Buddhism favours a justice system where criminals are encouraged to change and become more responsible and sensitive to others.
• If offenders aren’t encouraged to become better people, then there will be no spaces left in prisons, and since prisons are being overwhelmed as the UK’s reoffending rates are incredibly high.
• Restorative justice is a system of criminal justice which focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large. It may help some victims to reform as they will see the consequences that their actions had on the victims, and they may realise that crime is impactful and causes suffering for everyone. The offender may be able to learn from their mistakes and see that their actions are wrong. It is also a chance for them to be forgiven, which may help them to move on in life after they have left prison. It is a chance for them to make a new start, and help the victim to recover. In some cases, both the victim and the offender can take something from the restorative justice system, and it can help both of them to find peace and to lead a better life in the future. It changes people’s moral outlook for the better, so changes them for ever.
• Jesus believed in second chances, and reformation helps people appreciate a second chance. There is something of God in everyone, so everyone can be reformed, and then they would contribute positively to society
• Inhumane treatment of an offender does not solve their behaviour or those of humanity in general - the best approach is to reform them. Buddhists believe that punishment should only be enough for the offender to make amends, and his rehabilitation into society should be a priority. Punishing an offender with excessive cruelty is damaging to both the criminal and the person administering the punishment it is impossible to administer severe punishment with compassion and Buddhists should be compassionate (bad karma/merit)
• However Buddhists believe that deterrence may not work if people are in grip of the three poisons.
• Many Christians and Buddhists do not agree with retribution and prefer reformation. Christians do not believe in taking revenge when they have been wronged. They believe that they should forgive the sins of others, in the same way that they believe God forgives them for their sins. Christians look to the example of Jesus, who taught the importance of forgiveness: Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Matthew 18:21-22. The Lord’s prayers include a verse about forgiveness (Matthew 6:12). ‘First go and be reconciled to them: then come and offer your gift’ (Matthew 5:24). ‘Love your enemies and pray for those that persecute you’ (Matthew 5:39). Paul teaches ‘do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.’ (Romans 21:21). Many Christians focus on other aims of punishment which they believe are less harmful and more positive.
• Retribution is a form of violence and therefore wrong.
• A person will suffer anyway because of the principle of karma. ’We should not seek revenge on those who have committed crimes against us, or reply to their crimes with other crimes’ Dalai Lama.

Disadvantages

• IThe idea of deterrence is to use punishment as an example and warning to others. If the punishment is harsh it may deter the offender from repeating the crime and others from copying it. In some countries punishments are carried out in public as a form of deterrence.
• As well as reform, some Christians would consider protection and deterrence to be important aims of punishment. Protection is necessary for murderers and those who hurt other people. These help to ensure safety in society. Although most Christians have no real problem with the idea of deterrence they do not support punishments that are excessively harsh. They oppose carrying out punishments in public because these could humiliate offenders rather than treating them with respect.
• In addition, a victim would prefer to be compensated for what has happened to them. Also not all people can be reformed because their behaviour is too ingrained.
• Also, retribution is a good aim of punishment. Society, on behalf of the victim, is getting its own back on the offender.
• Criminals should be made to suffer in proportion to how serious their crimes are. e.g. in the case of murder, the murderer should be killed as a punishment. Some Christians support the death penalty by quoting ‘life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth.; Exodus 21:23-24. But most think this means for example that murderers should be punished severely but not killed.

Evaluation

I agree with the statement because it reduces crime, and is the most moral and compassionate thing to do, as it then reduces crime and so suffering and the number of victims. Society should aim to help all members, even when they have acted evilly or immorally.