PrepTest 128, Section 4, Question 27

Working the answers

• A

  This is tempting, and B does say a traumatic childhood can be taken into account at sentencing. The problem isn't that such consideration never happens. But A doesn't advance this possibility as its position. It argues that humans cannot properly weigh the full set of background factors and should instead focus primarily on consequences. D captures the shared recommendation much more directly.

• B

  Both oppose trying to deliver cosmic justice through human law. Neither recommends striving for it regardless of whether it's attainable.

• C

  This makes impartial procedures a better route to cosmic justice. B distinguishes the two concepts, and A says human law can't attain cosmic justice. Neither presents this as a way to reach that goal.

• D
  Correct

  A explicitly favors “outputs, or consequences” over inputs. B likewise objects to reducing punishment because of the murderer's childhood and emphasizes the consequences of weakened deterrence. Both favor attention to consequences over an attempt to weigh the many background influences on conduct.

• E

  A expressly denies that human legal systems can achieve cosmic justice. Focusing on mitigating factors doesn't overcome the human limitations it describes.