Source: (2004) ACResolution. Summer. 3(4): 35-36. Downloaded 12 January 2005.he myth of redemptive punishment is very popular. The criminal justice system is based on this myth. When someone breaks a rule, the guilty one is identified and punished in hopes that he or she will act better in the future. We hope that the punishment will help people learn from their mistakes and encourage them to not do it again. We want them to realize how much they hurt someone and be accountable for their mistakes. Unfortunately, punishment rarely accomplishes these objectives. (extract).