gp blog

Any form of punishment that is effective in maintaining law and order is justified. Do you agree?

I agree that any form of punishment is effective in maintaining law and order is justified. As long as it is lawful and able to deter people from committing similar crimes, it is right to exercise them. In the example of Togo, they have a unique way in dealing with the offenders. When they need to distinguish the real culprit between two suspects, they will apply their punishment. The two suspects need to dip their hand in a pot of hot, scalding liquid to retrieve a ring in front of the whole village. This will put their courage to test. The people believed that the guilty would not be able to retrieve the ring and will be scalded by the steaming liquid while the victim will remain unscathed. This punishment is pretty effective as the real culprit will be overcome by fear and not have the courage to take the test. On the other hand, the other party who wants to prove their innocence will be willing to take the test. If one is found to be guilty, the offender will be embarrassed and known by everyone and has to bear nasty remarks from the villagers.

Another example of shaming will be in Albania. People have been convicted will be asked to carry a signboard stating the crime they have committed. They have to carry it around and “publicise” themselves. For instance, if an offender had been convicted of murder, he will not be sent to jail but instead asked to make a sign board with his offence on it. He will be asked to carry it on the roads, informing pedestrians and motorists of his offence. This type of punishment will invite nasty remarks and acts from passer-bys. The offender himself will be embarrassed especially if they are told to perform the punishment in a familiar environment where they will be recognised by perhaps their friends or neighbours. Report has shown that such punishment is effective in deterring similar crimes. Hence, I felt that it is truly justified to employ any form of punishment that is effective in maintaining law and order.

posted by Si Hui @ 9:19 PM