Corporeal? The opposite of which is ethereal or transcendental or metaphysical (punishment)? Is he sure that's the word he wanted; I wonder?
Do you think maybe he meant "corporal"? Or are we and the Brits separated on that one, too?
I think we can make this work if you'll just embrace a more liberal view of the word. Corporeal refers to (dictionary not at my side) that which is tangible or physical.
So, if punishment is being inflicted on the physical body of the offender, perhaps corporeal isn't too far off the mark after all.
Just trying to help! :^]