DB Replies

4

Cleber Cordeiro

In my opinion, the primary goals of criminal law should align with biblical principles of justice, fairness, and restoration. Criminal law exists to protect society, uphold order, and provide justice for wrongdoings. Biblically, this aligns with the principle found in Micah 6:8 (NIV): “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse highlights the need for justice tempered by mercy and humility, reflecting the ideal balance criminal law should strive to achieve. Additionally, criminal law should aim to deter future crimes, rehabilitate offenders, and restore victims and communities.

In practice, however, the actual goals of the criminal law often appear skewed toward retribution and punishment rather than holistic justice. For instance, the United States criminal justice system frequently emphasizes incarceration and punitive measures over rehabilitation and restorative practices. While punishment is necessary to maintain societal order, an excessive focus on retribution can undermine opportunities for personal and communal restoration. Research by Clear (2021) suggests that the American justice system often prioritizes punishment over other objectives like reducing recidivism or addressing root causes of crime, leading to systemic issues like over-incarceration and racial disparities.

Restorative justice should play a significant role in the criminal justice system as it aligns with biblical concepts of reconciliation and healing. Restorative justice seeks to repair harm by involving victims, offenders, and communities in the justice process, emphasizing accountability and making amends. This approach mirrors the biblical directive to seek peace and reconciliation among individuals (Matthew 5:9). While some restorative practices are incorporated in specific programs or juvenile justice systems, their role in mainstream criminal justice remains limited. Expanding restorative justice could transform the system by fostering deeper accountability, reducing recidivism, and restoring trust within communities.

In conclusion, the criminal law should pursue justice, restoration, and societal protection, grounded in biblical and ethical principles. A shift toward restorative justice could bridge the gap between the ideal and the current reality.

Brooke Wilson

1. According to the Legal Information Institute, criminal law is “a system of laws concerned with crimes and the punishment of individuals who commit crimes” (LII, 2024). In my opinion, the answer to what the goal and purpose of criminal law is to simply keep everyone in society safe by establishing order and control, as well as punishing those who commit crimes. Crime in the United States is an important issue, even if the crime rate is decreasing. While it may be easy for people to judge those who commit crimes, I feel that as Christians we have a responsibility to God and to ourselves to show compassion and help them learn from potential mistakes to an extent. From a Biblical perspective, criminal law should focus on things like being truthful, fair punishment for crimes committed, and allowing forgiveness. For example, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (Bible Gateway, 2025).

2. I feel as if my personal beliefs of what the goals and purpose of criminal law are align with the actual goals and purpose of criminal law. According to Gardner and Anderson from our textbook, “People in all societies have the inherent right to protect their society and those living in that society from acts that threaten either the society or the people” (Gardner & Anderson, 2016). The criminal justice system appears to have the goals to ensure the safety of individuals by seeking out appropriate punishments for those who commit crimes.

3. In terms of restorative justice, it could be beneficial for both the wrong-doer and the people affected by the wrong-doer. It should provide a chance for both parties to heal from the crime that happened. The person who committed the crime should be offered the help (if proven necessary) and given a fair punishment depending on the crime. Similarly, those affected by the crime should be able to seek justice through an appropriate punishment for the individual that caused them harm. In relation to scripture, the Bible provides the reasoning for restorative justice is to offer forgiveness and reconciliation just as God said. In times like today, the goal of restorative justice is to help each party move forward by achieving accountability, forgiveness, and healing (Park University, 2024).

4

Cleber Cordeiro

In my opinion, the primary goals of criminal law should align with biblical principles of justice, fairness, and restoration. Criminal law exists to protect society, uphold order, and provide justice for wrongdoings. Biblically, this aligns with the principle found in Micah 6:8 (NIV): “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse highlights the need for justice tempered by mercy and humility, reflecting the ideal balance criminal law should strive to achieve. Additionally, criminal law should aim to deter future crimes, rehabilitate offenders, and restore victims and communities.

In practice, however, the actual goals of the criminal law often appear skewed toward retribution and punishment rather than holistic justice. For instance, the United States criminal justice system frequently emphasizes incarceration and punitive measures over rehabilitation and restorative practices. While punishment is necessary to maintain societal order, an excessive focus on retribution can undermine opportunities for personal and communal restoration. Research by Clear (2021) suggests that the American justice system often prioritizes punishment over other objectives like reducing recidivism or addressing root causes of crime, leading to systemic issues like over-incarceration and racial disparities.

Restorative justice should play a significant role in the criminal justice system as it aligns with biblical concepts of reconciliation and healing. Restorative justice seeks to repair harm by involving victims, offenders, and communities in the justice process, emphasizing accountability and making amends. This approach mirrors the biblical directive to seek peace and reconciliation among individuals (Matthew 5:9). While some restorative practices are incorporated in specific programs or juvenile justice systems, their role in mainstream criminal justice remains limited. Expanding restorative justice could transform the system by fostering deeper accountability, reducing recidivism, and restoring trust within communities.

In conclusion, the criminal law should pursue justice, restoration, and societal protection, grounded in biblical and ethical principles. A shift toward restorative justice could bridge the gap between the ideal and the current reality.