Conduct a debate in the class (in groups) on the following topic. Instruction for conducting a debate (and the use of appropriate language) are given in the unit “ Children” of the Main Course Book. 'Criminals are wicked and deserve punishment'
Answers
Good morning everyone present here. Distinguished guests, learned jury, and my dear fellow students, I stand here to express my views on "criminals are wicked and deserve punishment". I am going to speak against the topic. Nelson Mandela very rightly said “When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice but to become an outlaw.” I strongly agree with Mr. Mandela’s views. No one is born criminal; it is the circumstances that make one so. Researchers have found some psychological reasons such as, exploitation, injustice, disturbed childhood, etc that pushed people to become criminal.
In the context of ‘The Bishop’s Candlestick’, we come face to face with the similar example. As the play unfolds in front of us, the audience comes to know the convict in his past was a normal promising man who had a wife. Owing to bad economy of his country, he had to steal a loaf of bread for his ill wife. The cruel society had no sympathy and pity for him! Instead of sympathizing with him, the police arrested him and tried him in a court. Even the cruel judge did not hesitate passing such a harsh sentence against him. He was treated like a beast for such a minor and pardonable offence. He was beaten, fed on filth, and tortured. His wife died in his absence that turned him into a criminal. If the society (the police, the judge, and the authorities) had treated him considerately he would not have become a criminal. This is not just the story of the convict; the same applies to all the criminals.
Criminals don’t deserve punishment. They deserve better treatment. They deserve sympathy, understanding and psychological approach. And of course they deserve chances to reform themselves.