Negligent infliction of emotional distress and Intentional infliction of emotional distress. Falwell sued Flynt, alleging libel and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Punishment involves the intentional infliction of pain and/or the deprivation of rights and liberties. Geimer sued Polanski in 1988, alleging sexual assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress and seduction. Dr. Hatfill sued him and the "Times" for defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Crime involves the infliction of harm against society. Punishment is the authoritative infliction by the State of suffering for a criminal offence. The infliction of harm upon another person is what makes an action wrong. Pleasure derived from the infliction of pain is an evil thing. These include both the actual infliction and the threat of violence.