In colonial America,a pickpocket might have had a hand cut off as punishment.Why was this particular method of punishment chosen?
A) The hand is a part of the body that can usually be safely amputated without risk of infection.
B) It was easy and convenient.
C) It was considered symbolically appropriate to punish the part of the body most directly connected with the crime.
D) It was considered the most painful punishments that could be administered.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cutting off a hand was considered symbolically appropriate because it punished the part of the body most directly connected with the crime. In this case, the hand was used to commit the crime of pickpocketing. Cutting off the hand was meant to serve as a visible and extreme deterrent to others who might consider committing similar crimes.

In Colonial America,a Pickpocket Might Have Had a Hand Cut