Punishment is Necessary for Torts to be Recognized as Wrongs

Abstract

In this essay, I argue that Goldberg and Zipursky’s (2010) resolution of the “Inaptness-of-Liability Problem” for wrongs-based theories of tort is inadequate. I begin by outlining the problem as the authors present it. I then discuss their proposed solution. Finally, I contend that, because Goldberg and Zipursky do not sufficiently justify why punishment should not be an integral component of tort law (despite their assertion that torts are wrongs rather than losses), their response fails to fully neutralize the problem, which therefore remains compelling.