ABSTRACT
An overview It is probably true that, in the popular mind, law enforcement is closely linked with the idea of punishment. The association is based on common sense. Most of us most of the time seek to avoid actions that will hurt us. When people act foolishly and are hurt in the process, we see the results as a warning and the resulting self-inflicted hurt as a kind of penalty. When innocent bystanders are harmed, a dimension of blame is added. When parents lay down rules, they frequently accompany the prohibitions with warnings of the consequences of disobedience. The ‘penalties’ alluded to may be ‘natural’ consequences of prohibited behaviour. ‘Don’t cross the street without looking both ways, otherwise you might be hit by a vehicle and badly hurt.’ The penalties may be imposed. ‘If you are not in by 12 o’clock, you will lose driving privileges.’ In either case, unpleasant consequences are seen as directly associated with the conduct which breaks the rules.
