COLLECTIVE PUNISHMENT Meaning and
Definition
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Collective punishment refers to a form of punitive action inflicted on a group of people based on the actions or behavior of one or a few individuals within that group, irrespective of their individual involvement or guilt. This form of punishment is administered as a means of holding the entire collective accountable for the perceived wrongdoing committed by a few members.
Typically, collective punishment is employed within the context of a larger social or political unit, such as a community, organization, or even a nation. It aims to deter or discourage future similar behavior by imposing adverse consequences on the group as a whole. Examples of collective punishment may include economic sanctions, restricting privileges, imposing curfews, or other limitations on the affected population.
The underlying rationale behind collective punishment varies depending on the circumstances. It is often driven by the belief that the overall group shares a responsibility for the transgressions of its members or that the group itself needs to be penalized for failing to prevent such behavior. Critics argue that collective punishment is unfair and unjust, as it penalizes innocent individuals who may have no direct association with the offense committed.
In international law, collective punishment is widely regarded as a violation of human rights and prohibited under various conventions and treaties. These legal frameworks emphasize the protection of individuals' rights and the principle of individual culpability, emphasizing that punishment should be proportionate and based on an individual's specific actions rather than their association with a group.
Etymology of COLLECTIVE PUNISHMENT
The word "collective punishment" is composed of two parts: "collective" and "punishment".
1. Collective:
The term "collective" is derived from the Latin word "collectivus", which is the past participle of "colligere". "Colligere" is composed of "col-" meaning "together" and "ligare" meaning "to bind" or "tie". Hence, "collective" denotes a group or individuals bound together or acting as one.
2. Punishment:
The word "punishment" traces back to the Old French term "punissement", derived from the Latin word "punire" meaning "to punish" or "to correct". The Latin word has its origins from the earlier term "poena" meaning "penalty" or "punishment".
