Which of the following could be characterized as a penalty?

A monetary fine for a violation can be characterized as a penalty because it represents a financial sanction imposed on an individual for breaching a law or regulation. The purpose of this penalty is to deter the individual and others from committing similar violations by making the cost of the infraction clear. It serves not only as punishment but also as a means of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

Other options, while they may have punitive aspects, do not fit the traditional definition of a penalty as strictly as a monetary fine does. A warning by law enforcement, for instance, is often a first step toward education rather than punishment, aimed at preventing future infractions. Mandatory community service can be seen as a form of rehabilitation rather than a direct penalty, focusing on restitution to the community. An admonition from a judge, while it carries authority, is more about guidance and warning than a tangible penalty, often intended to correct behavior rather than impose an outright penalty. Thus, the monetary fine stands out as a clear and widely recognized form of penalty.