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Simple English definitions for legal terms
scarlet-letter punishment
Read a random definition: DENIER À DIEU
A quick definition of scarlet-letter punishment:
Scarlet-letter punishment: A type of punishment where a person is publicly shamed or stigmatized for their wrongdoing. This can include things like wearing a sign or being publicly associated with their crime. It is meant to be a deterrent and to alert others to the consequences of breaking the law.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Scarlet-letter punishment is a type of shame sanction that publicly stigmatizes or disgraces a convicted offender. It is often used to alert the public about the offender's conviction and to associate them with the crime they committed. An example of this is requiring a convicted child molester to post a sign in their yard stating "Convicted Child Molester Lives Here."
Examples:
- A convicted drunk driver being required to wear a shirt with a large letter "D" on it to signify their offense.
- A person convicted of animal cruelty being required to volunteer at an animal shelter for a certain amount of hours each week.
These examples illustrate how scarlet-letter punishment is used to publicly shame and stigmatize offenders as a form of punishment for their crimes. It is meant to serve as a deterrent to others who may consider committing similar offenses.