Single Idea 7219

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 3. Punishment / a. Right to punish]

Full Idea

My second maxim is that for actions that are prejudicial to the interests of others, the individual is accountable, and subject to social or legal punishment, if society believes that this is requisite for its protection.

Gist of Idea

Society can punish actions which it believes to be prejudicial to others

Source

John Stuart Mill (On Liberty [1857], Ch.5)

Book Reference

Mill,John Stuart: 'Utilitarianism (including On Liberty etc)', ed/tr. Warnock,Mary [Fontana 1962], p.226


A Reaction

(wording compressed). The trouble with this would seem to be the possible disagreement between the individual and the society over whether the actions actually are prejudicial to others. It would justify a conservative society in being repressive.