The appropriate punishment is whatever is necessary to inhibit the targeted behavior. Death distressingly frequently plays this role. His other reforms were intended to increase the efficiency in apprehending law-breakers. This seems to be signaled in the other core idea according to Hanfeizi yimin or treating the people as one. The law should not be adjusted for rank, even deserved rank from prior reward and performance.
High officials are subject to the same punishments as commoners.
The ruler himself should be guided by fa although he issues the edicts, commands and ordinances that are interpreted and implemented by them. Some passages suggest that the fa themselves cannot be changed by anyone. The justifications of this mild form of application of law to the rulers are more pragmatic than would be a typical Western counterpart. The ruler s consistency in conforming his own choices and behavior to fa makes him less subject to manipulation, flattery, etc. by officials. Instead of targeting his whims, biases, and preferences, the officials must concentrate on the objective standards of benefit to the state and society for their advancement and reward.