Precis of The Apology Ritual

In this paper I summarise the main arguments of my book The Apology Ritual. I draw attention to three main lines of argument, taking them in reverse order to that in which they appear in the book. First, I look at the book's communicative-expressive justification of state punishment. Secondly, I look at the argument for the claim that feeling properly sorry involves a requirement to undertake some sort of penance. And thirdly, I look at the argument for the "right to be punished": as I interpret it, that there is an important status associated with being treated as a responsible agent.