I suppose that is a legal matter and is derived from keeping order. we woudl have to look back to Hammurabi code, as to why particular laws are upheld and which ones are not. it obviously depends on society a great deal. so lets take the example of a speeding ticket....if i speed, i am responsible for the consequence, weather its a ticket, or a licence revoked or whatnot. one is responsible for the actions. now the punishment, or reprimanding of the action....that differs. in the US, if you steal, you are responsible to make them whole again, via monetary, or giving your time or freedoms... etc etc in saudi arabia, for the same crime, one is responsible not only for making the victim whole again, but is also responsible for teaching a lesson, which he fulfills by getting his hand cut off. is that what you mean?