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Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow SECTION II.: ITS INAPTITUDE, APPLIED AS IT IS AS AN INSTRUMENT OF PUNISHMENT. - The Works of Jeremy Bentham, vol. 6

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SECTION II.: ITS INAPTITUDE, APPLIED AS IT IS AS AN INSTRUMENT OF PUNISHMENT. - Jeremy Bentham, The Works of Jeremy Bentham, vol. 6 [1843]

Edition used:

The Works of Jeremy Bentham, published under the Superintendence of his Executor, John Bowring (Edinburgh: William Tait, 1838-1843). 11 vols. Vol. 6.

Part of: The Works of Jeremy Bentham, 11 vols.

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SECTION II.

ITS INAPTITUDE, APPLIED AS IT IS AS AN INSTRUMENT OF PUNISHMENT.

In the character of an instrument of punishment, the infliction in question,—is it well-grounded?—is it necessary?—is it, or does it promise to be, effectual?

Compulsion out of the question, if to any purpose suffering purposely applied and directed to an end be of use, it is to one or other of these three: viz. prevention by example, prevention, viz. of delinquency in the shape in question, on the part of persons other than the delinquent in question;—prevention of delinquency on the part of the person in question, by depriving him of the power of transgression, or by depriving him of the will, the disposition or inclination, i. e. reformation.

In the case in question, delinquency in any shape, has it taken place? Because, if not, all punishment is out of the question—all consideration of the subject of punishment is out of place.

Fraud or temerity,—in one or other of these shapes, delinquency, if on the occasion in question it really has had place, must have operated.