Nowadays, we have laws that protect citizens (against
rape, murder, kidnapping, and the like), and people suspected of violating these laws
will be brought forward before a court and sentenced as a judge and or jury sees
fit.
However, the Puritans had extra "laws" against certain
ways of dressing, certain ways of practicing Christianity, even how certain daily duties
are addressed (for example, they weren't allowed to do ANY work on Sundays). And the
Puritans would reinforce these laws by socially ostracizing and/or excommunicating those
that did not adhere to these social and spiritual rules. They would also publicly punish
or chastise those who would rebel against them.
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