Part of the Roman crime and punishment system were gladiators. These were a main part of the Roman empire because st the time, it was considered that the idea of gladiators offered entertainment, justice, punishment and a chance of redemption. Entertainment for all those watching who enjoyed watching the gladiator fights. Justice to those who had broken the law. Punishment to those who had done wrong. And a chance for redemption for those who had done wrong because if they won enough games, they became popular and could have their crimes forgiven. So from the Romans perspective, the idea of gladiator fights was a great idea although today it could be considered barbaric.