1. Describe the purposes of punishment from two religious and one non-religious perspective
Christian
Justice is important where criminal is treated fairly
Retribution matters because God is a God of justice and society benefits when wrongdoing is punished
Reformation is important as God is God of change and the second chance. Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, ‘Go and sin no more’
Protection is important. Jesus cared for the weak and vulnerable in society

2. Buddhist
Karma – what goes around comes around – people eventually get what they deserve
People responsible for own actions - retribution
Karma acts as a deterrence for individuals and as a means of reformation and retribution
Right Actions, following the Eightfold Noble Path should lead to protection of the innocent

3. Utilitarian
Deterrence main reason for punishment – J.S. Mill founder of utilitarianism
Key point is whether punishment achieves greatest happiness for greatest number
Punishment should fit the crime