It is only the secondary purpose of law to punish violators. The primary purpose is to inform people what the law is and invite their cooperation. To accomplish this, good laws are clear. On the contrary, tyrants make laws vague, so no one can be sure what is forbidden. As a result, people censor themselves and avoid anything doubtful out of fear.

If you doubt this, consider that state medical and pharmacy boards warned physicians and pharmacists not to prescribe or dispense unapproved medicines. The obvious reason was to prevent patients with early Covid from getting hydroxychloroquine or ivermectin, though these drugs were not named.

Then these boards warned licensees not to spread misinformation. Again, nothing was specified. So physicians and pharmacists learned to avoid politically incorrect medicines and opinions. They avoid anything controversial for fear of losing their professions and incomes. If you think all this is compatible with good science or good medicine, you need serious therapy.

Vague laws and regulations are more intimidating than clear ones. And that is the purpose: intimidation. Governments of free nations govern and lead. Governments of unfree nations intimidate and bully. And here we are.