'Just a formality. . . ' Payne obtaining Cohen's signature on the document reminding him of his eternal obligations under the draconian sanctions of the Official Secrets Act.

"The draconian sanctions just went into effect," Mr. Hamilton said, referring to a tightened United Nations embargo.

But, if only draconian sanctions like disconnection are enough to "stop the swap," the entire graduated response program could arouse critical opposition from the public and from lawmakers.

Of course, the difference is that with Iraq we had Security Council resolutions that authorized comprehensive inspections, imposed draconian sanctions and permitted, under certain circumstances, the use of force.

When Centenary refused to pull the scholarships, the NCAA issued one of the most draconian sanctions in its history.

Shortly after the disruption, but before the investigation and suspension, Chermerinsky wrote, "I also disagree with those who call for draconian sanctions against these students or of punishment for a larger group.

Fears about rising oil prices led the White House to oppose efforts on Capitol Hill to impose draconian sanctions against Iran's central bank.

It is a recipe for a political and monetary crisis as long as there is no unity in Europe on the strict budget requirements and draconian sanctions.

So far, the European Union has resisted pressure to impose draconian sanctions in retaliation; passage of trade-promotion authority makes a trans-Atlantic trade war even less likely.

After all, even fiercely draconian legal sanctions can at most force people to remain with spouses they would prefer to leave.