Religion and Authority In this unit we will look at: Why do people keep laws? Why we should obey the law? How do we treat someone who breaks the law? How should we deal with offenders? What if the law is wrong?

Starter Write out your own definitions for the following words: Law Community Duty Conscience Human rights Justice

Law – a set of rules that we keep to protect the community Law – a set of rules that we keep to protect the community. If you break the law you can be arrested. Community – A group of people that share aims, a group that decides what happens in their area. Duty – a role or action that you fulfil to benefit of others. Conscience – awareness of right and wrong, an innate sense of guidance. Human rights – a set of conditions that every human being is entitled to. Justice – a sense of fairness. Correct and proper actions when someone is wronged or offended against.

Why should we obey the law? Give three reasons of why we should obey the law?

The Law Duties and expectations of people and communities Written statements that define acceptable behaviour Rules and agreed limits to behaviour and action

What do you think? What rules does the school have? Why so we have school rules? Should we punish people who break school rules? Are there any school rules which you think are pointless? Are there any rules that you think the school should add to it’s list?

Rules and laws in society Society has it’s rules. Rules for the local community are called BY-LAWS (decided by the council). Rules for the whole country are called LAWS (decided for by Parliament).

Crime and Punishment Exercise Look at the list of crimes For each crime, give a punishment for each of them (Left hand column). Justify each of your choices E.g. For the crime of raping two women I believe the man should receive life imprisonment because ……..

Lets discuss your answers Are there any great differences? How do we justify each punishment? Does the punishment fit the crime?

The handout Read the handout and answer the questions 1-5