The sovereign has the right to punish those who break the laws from "summary" of Hobbes: Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes
The sovereign, being the supreme authority in a commonwealth, holds the power to enforce laws and maintain order within society. This right to punish those who violate the laws is a fundamental aspect of the sovereign's role in upholding peace and stability. Without the ability to mete out punishment for transgressions, the laws themselves would be meaningless and society would descend into chaos. The concept of punishment serves as a deterrent to potential wrongdoers, as the fear of facing consequences acts as a restraint on behavior that goes against the established norms. By establishing clear rules and punishments for disobedience, the sovereign ensures that individuals are motivated to abide by the laws for their own self-preservation. In addition to deterring future violations, punishment also serves a retributive function in seeking to address the harm caused by the offender. Through the imposition of penalties, the sovereign aims to restore a sense of justice and order that has been disrupted by the actions of those who have broken the laws. Furthermore, the sovereign's right to punish is grounded in the social contract that underpins the legitimacy of political authority. In entering into a commonwealth, individuals agree to relinquish certain freedoms in exchange for the protection and order provided by the sovereign. As such, they are bound to obey the laws set forth by the sovereign, with punishment being the consequence for failing to uphold these obligations.- The sovereign's right to punish those who break the laws is a necessary and integral aspect of maintaining a functioning society. By enforcing order and upholding the rule of law, the sovereign ensures that the commonwealth remains stable and secure for all its members.
