To whom is Mrs. Peters referring to when mentioning punishment?

Answer

Mrs. Peters is referring to the law and its implications for the individual responsible for a crime that has been committed. In the context of the text, she is expressing concern about the consequences that the law dictates for someone who has committed a crime, emphasizing her belief that there must be accountability and punishment for wrongdoing. Mrs. Peters' statement reflects her understanding of justice and the societal need for a legal framework to address crime.