Key Terms Flashcards
Crime
An offence which is punishable by law, for example stealing, murder
Punishment
Something legally done to somebody as a result of being found guilty of breaking the law.
Evil
The opposite of good; a force or the personification of a negative power that is seen in many traditions as destructive and against God.
Poverty
Being without money, food or other basic needs of life (being poor).
Mental illness
A medical condition that affects a person’s feelings, emotions or moods, and perhaps their ability to relate to others.
Addiction
Physical or mental dependency on a substance or activity which is very difficult to overcome.
Greed
Wanting to possess wealth, goods or items of value which are not needed.
Hate crimes
Crimes, often including violence, that are targeted at a person because of their race, religion, gender, sexuality or disability.
Retribution
An aim of punishment- to get your own back; ‘an eye for an eye’.
Deterrence
An aim of punishment- to put people off committing crimes.
Reformation
An aim of punishment- to change someone’s behaviour for the better.
Free will
The ability of people to make decisions for themselves without constraint.
Prison
A secure building where offenders are kept for a period of time set by a judge.
Corporal punishment
Punishment of an offender by causing them physical pain- now illegal in the UK.
Community service
A way of punishing offenders by making them do unpaid work in the community.
