ABSTRACT
From these simple considerations of truth now set forth it is obvious that the purpose of punishment is not to inflict torment and pain on a sentient being, nor to undo the crime that has already been committed. Is it possible in a body politic, having for a long time acted passionately, to act as a calm moderator of these passions, to harness this cruel instrument of fury, the fanaticism of impotent tyrants? Can it erase the past squeals of unhappiness when it is not possible to take back the actions already consummated? The purpose, then, is none other than to prevent the action from doing further damage to our citizens and to prevent others from doing the same thing. Thus, punishments, and the method of inflicting them must be chosen according to the amount needed to make an impression more useful and more lasting on the minds of men, and less to torment the body of the offender. 1 34
