Abstract:
The concept of good governance has become a prominent topic in global political discourse. Meanwhile, owing to their complicated nature, modern-day crime and its dynamics have demanded a structural change in crime prevention mechanisms. Although Buddhist teachings on good governance have been incorporated into policy-making within various disciplines, the literature review indicated inadequacy in relation to crime prevention. Hence, this study
was conducted with the objective of identifying the root causes of crime and proposing a crime prevention framework based on Buddhist good governance principles. The strain theory of criminological discourse and the causative principle of criminal law provided the theoretical input to the study. This study employed a qualitative research design, with specific reference to the
Chakkavattisihanada Sutta (Lion Roar of the Wheel-Turning Monarch), which
comes under the Dīgha Nikāya in Tripitaka. Following the line-by-line textual analysis of the Sutta, insights were generated by performing a thematic analysis aligned with the objectives. As identified, poverty is the root cause leading to a chain of crimes. Moreover, a causal relationship was identified within this chain, where one crime causes the occurrence of another. It was found that this chain ended with the dissolution of the established social norms and the collapse of the social order. A model named ‘Āarya Chakravarthi Piliwetha- Noble Monarchical System’ could be identified as the framework to prevent this social problem. It comprises public security, non-allowance for crime, provision of the legal means of income, and receiving constant guidance from
experts. Moreover, it was found that this model has to be continued in every generation and every level of governance. In conclusion, poverty alleviation should be the fundamental principle of good governance. It has to be associated with the assurance of the rule of law and social welfare. Incorporation of these findings in policy-making will have a sustainable impact on crime prevention.
