Does Johnny Deserve A Light Punishment Research Paper

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Does Johnny deserve harsh or light punishment? Johnny deserves to be punished whether he did or didn't mean to kill Bob. However, the question arises: does Johnny deserve a light punishment or a harsh punishment? Many people will say Johnny deserves a harsh punishment, except there are several reasons why Johnny deserves and should get a light one. To understand why he deserves a light one, looking into the circumstances is essential. Johnny deserves a light punishment because it is self-defense. We know this because Johnny was beaten up and Ponyboy was drowned by Bob before the incident took place. Well, why didn't Johnny run for help? The attack took place in the middle of the park at night, if Johnny had tried to call for help chances are …show more content…

If Johnny yelled for help, he would have ended up in the same position as Ponyboy, if not worse. Therefore, if Johnny had not stabbed Bob, Ponyboy would have died in the hands of Bob. Another big reason Johnny deserves a light punishment is the argument that Johnny is still a minor in high school and this could potentially affect him in the future. Johnny is also still in high school, meaning if he were to get a harsh punishment it could ruin his education and plans, as well as getting a job in the future. Johnny also had no issues with the law or the record, he had no issues with fights and wasn't problematic at school. In the past, Johnny had also been jumped by Bob and his gang. This also explains why he reacted in that manner of fear and aggression from seeing his attackers. On the other hand, people say Johnny should be severely punished. This point of view makes sense because Johnny left Bob at the park instead of trying to help him. However, Bob had gone to the park with his friends and they did not attempt to call for help. Bob had been drinking with his friends the night of the fight and they were there when he attacked