Who said “Punishment is the last and least effective instrument in the hands of the legislator for…”?

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John Ruskin. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceNotes on the General Principles of Employment for the Destitute and Criminal Classes (1868)

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“Punishment is the last and least effective instrument in the hands of the legislator for the prevention of crime.”
— John Ruskin
VerifiedNotes on the General Principles of Employment for the Destitute and Criminal Classes (1868) · evidencePunishment
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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: Notes on the General Principles of Employment for the Destitute and Criminal Classes (1868).

APA

Ruskin, J. (n.d.). Punishment is the last and least effective instrument in the hands of the legislator for the prevention of crime. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35020-punishment-is-the-last-and-least-effective-instrument/

MLA

Ruskin, John. “Punishment is the last and least effective instrument in the hands of the legislator for the prevention of crime.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35020-punishment-is-the-last-and-least-effective-instrument/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Ruskin, John. “Punishment is the last and least effective instrument in the hands of the legislator for the prevention of crime.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/35020-punishment-is-the-last-and-least-effective-instrument/.

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More quotes by John Ruskin

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