EQ:
What role should government have in the punishment of sin?

Summary:

My most promising source is “Society's Moral Right to Punish: A Further Exploration of the Denunciation Theory of Punishment” by Ronald Rychlak.

There are two main theories on why we punish those who break the law. The first is utilitarian, which justifies punishment if it benefits society by reducing crime. The second is retributive, where punishment is justified because a person committed a crime. Rychlak argues that neither theory fully explains why society has the authority to punish individuals. If society possesses this right he believes that we should be able to determine its source. Rychlak also explores why “societies recognize certain conduct as criminal”(Rychlak 302). Further discussed is what constitutes a criminal act and whether governments should have the power to employ punishment. Another key point is the impact of punishment, as Rychlak notes that it can even affect individuals not directly involved in the crime. He believes that as a society we should be aware of all the possible repercussions of a punishment on someone.

This quote answers my essential question quite well:

“If any society is to advance, the general public must have faith in the system. This requires assurance that punishment is inflicted when, but only when, it is deserved”(Rychlak 338).

This answer my essential question by stating that if the government bodies do have the right to punish it would be directly deserved and not be excessive for the crime committed.