If you read my post, I indicate that those who get joy from turning people in are doing it for the wrong reasons. And I agree that the HCO can be over the top in some of their investigations and punishments.

My post was in response to the initial post who asserted that people who turned in other students should be punished. I offer a different perspective that helped someone that I know and love. And this person was not going to change without some sort of intervention. And so, to me (and my sister) it doesn't matter what the motive for turning in my sister, in her case it had an impact for good.

But to respond to your "Javert" assertion, I think you're way off the mark. Javert makes it his mission to ensure that justice is served. My "brand of gospel" takes little consideration into the justice that is meted out. Granted, if the HCO office disciplines someone for an infraction, I'm inclined to support the HCO, but I digress. My "brand of gospel" is one that takes a concern for the individual.

I guess my point is that we live in a world where integrity is decaying. The HC is a commitment to live a certain way. I don't believe anyone benefits from knowingly ignoring and disobeying the HC. Those who choose to live this way are primarily harming themselves. But to excuse this and take the attitude that "it's their life and why should I care how they live" is against the teachings of the Savior. Sure, every man is granted agency, but the gospel is about helping people live up to the commitments that they make, and much less about meting out justice to those who have slipped. The justice/punishment aspect is there to facilitate change and help people learn from mistakes. I'm far less concerned with the punishment for a crime than I am with a person taking actions and steps to live up to their potential.

And it is much easier to ignore a persons shortcomings and do nothing than it is to work with that person to change. That's why I think that sometimes we're being selfish when we take the attitude that people will live how the want.

Maybe BYU should instill a rule that requires anyone who reports a HC violation cannot do so anonymously, I think that might be a good rule. But I can tell you that my sister would love to know who turned her in for her minor violation, because it was a catalyst for change in her life.