Single Idea 23764

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 3. Punishment / d. Reform of offenders]

Full Idea

There is one, and only one, thing in society more hideous than crime - namely, repressive justice.

Gist of Idea

The only thing in society worse than crime is repressive justice

Source

Simone Weil (Human Personality [1943], p.95)

Book Reference

Weil,Simone: 'An Anthology' [Penguin 1986], p.95


A Reaction

Presumably fans of 'repressive' justice would describe it as 'reformative' justice. In general, one of the most hideous parts of historical human societies has been the punishments they dished out (simply because they had the power to do it).

Related Idea

Idea 23763 Punishment aims at the good for men who don't desire it [Weil]