Many purposes have been proposed for punishment: 1) Prevention. Those in prison can harm only guards and other prisoners, unless they escape. 2) Deterrence. If punishment is swift and sure. it can deter others from committing crimes. 3) Justice. Balancing the scales. Recall that Lady Justice has scales in one hand but a sword in the other. 4) Making things whole again. This is often not possible and rarely attempted. But here is a case where we at least try.

Texas law mandates child support payments from drunk drivers who kill parent or guardian