The Free Market and Punishment

[NickMPK]

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My guess is yes. I would think social norms that determine murder is very bad and serious crime would cause unaffiliated groups to seek justice against you, at the request of a large portio of the community, most likely. My advice; don't murder people.

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How is justice based on the request of a "large portion of the community" any different than coercion imposed upon the minority by a democracy?

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The idea that murder is bad is a social norm based on man's reason and his desire to interact with others in the same manner he expects in return. This is why 99.9% of people believe that murder is bad.

Surely you can see the difference between this and majority rule? If you're a utilitarian who doesn't believe in ethics or morals, then there is no need to hijack this debate into that realm.

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So it is OK to punish someone if they do something that a "large portion of the community" thinks is wrong?

Who exactly has the right to mete out this punishment?
What determines what an appropriate punishment is?