Christianity and the death penalty

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/christianethics/capitalpunishment_1.shtml http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=6385 http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=000986

I used these 3 webpages as my main resources when writing about my religions. I found that the structure of these web pages were extremely useful. They offered; definition, strengths and weaknesses which is the format I was initially going to adapt to my presentation.

Timothy Evans

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timothy_Evans

I collected a variety of research about the case study of Timothy Evans. I found that this website allowed me the secure, and detailed information I was looking for. As much as I found the films and documentaries useful, their purpose was to entertain their viewers therefore I found that a website of written, factual information was of much more convenience.

Aims of punishment

http://www.ndre.co.uk/aims_of_punishment.htm#Retribution



Summary
Aims of punishment are the reasons why punishment is carried out. It is important not to confuse them with the means of punishment; for example, imprisonment, execution and so on.
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Retribution
Retribution means taking revenge. The Old Testament Law of Talion was 'an eye for an eye' - in other words, the punishment should fit the crime. Note that the Law of Talion is not the teaching of Jesus. Jesus goes on to tell his disciples to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them rather than seeking revenge for wrongs done against them. Retribution therefore is not consistent with Christian discipleship.
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Deterrence
Deterrence means putting criminals off offending or re-offending for fear of the consequences. This view is consistent with Christian teaching as long as the deterrent is proportionate to the crime. Long sentences for minor offences may put some criminals off but they are also unjust in themselves.
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Protection
Protection means stopping society being affected by the activities of criminals. Prison is the usual means of protecting society. This aim of punishment is broadly consistent with Christian teaching but where society is protected by carrying out the death penalty many Christians may raise objections.
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Reformation
Reformation means turning criminals into law-abiding people. This aim of punishment is very consistent with Christian views about the importance of repentance, reconciliation and changing life for the better.
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Vindication
Vindication means making sure the law is respected by punishing those who break the law.

Ruth Ellis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruth_Ellis

Out of all the web pages I searched I found this offered me sufficient, detailed evidence when discussing my case studies. The documentaries I watched compared to this webpage lacked a certain quality of evidence, which is why I adapted my essay from this web page.

Derek Bentley

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Bentley_case

Like the other case studies, I chose this web page to collect viable information when I was discussing the case of Derek Bentley. This web page gave solid, viable information on the case of Bentley, and even though the film 'Let him have it' had some useful information, its layout was more in story telling format the actual informative facts. This web page was straight to the point and full of interesting facts.

opinion polls

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/religion-and-death-penalty

This webpage offers opinion polls of people who support the death penalty.

Anthony Walker

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningzone/clips/a-mothers-forgiveness-for-her-sons-killers/439.html

Chrisianity and capital punishment

http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/christianethics/capitalpunishment_1.shtml

This web page allowed me to lay out my religions in a suitable structure.
For example, when discussing Christianity, I followed; Definition, Strengths, Weaknesses.

Re offending rates

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/2013-compendium-of-re-offending-statistics-and-analysis

The picture above is some statistics of criminals who have re-offended. I could use this when discussing my aims of punishment and discussing whether they are truly beneficial.

James Bulger Murder

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_James_Bulger

Ruth Ellis newspapaer articles

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2194061/Ruth-Ellis-death-penalty-Doomed-hang-refused-betray-lover--insisted-staying-tarty-blonde.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/july/13/newsid_2745000/2745023.stm

Timothy Evans

There is a book, documentary and film about this case study, which I intend to watch to further my knowledge of this case. All of these products are true descriptions of the genuine case study therefore I am sure they will grant me truthful, sufficient knowledge.
The film dramatizes the case of British serial killer John Christie, who committed many of his crimes in the titular London terraced house, and the miscarriage of justice involving Timothy Evans. Hurt received a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Evans.

Ethical views on Capital Punishment

For
Retribution or Justice
Rehabilitation
Closure and Vindication
A Japanese argument
Deterrence
Prevention of re-offending
Incentive for helping the police

Against
Value of human life
execution of the innocent
Deterrent
Expense
Unfair application
Its unnecessary
The right to live
Retribution is wrong
It brutalises society
people not responsible for their actions
Cruel, inhumane, degrading
Free will

 Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/capitalpunishment/