Standard form of compensation

THE “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” approach is becoming a standard form of compensation in Papua New Guinea society.
This means if someone does wrong, that person should be punished by having the same thing done to them.
A biblical perspective is fixed in the principle of revenge: punishment is deserved in proportion to the seriousness of an offence.
Our ancestors have taught us to treat others as we would like them to treat us, and so does the justice system.
It is unfair to commit a crime without a consequence.
Therefore, if you choose to steal something, you will have to face the consequences. It is the only way to teach and learn lessons.
But today in society, it is like: if you slap me, I will return with my relatives or friends and we will bash you, even to the extent of sending someone to the hospital.
We have come off the primitive and by now should lean towards allowing the law to take its course and let those who wrong you feel the full brunt of it.
Punishment is a universal phenomenon.
No human society confronted with violations of its laws or customs leaves itself powerless to impose sanctions.
For all this accrued experience of dealing with offenders, punishment remains a problematic matter under constant debate.

Blocki