There are a few procedures in place that prevent any one moderator from singling out a member. When a post pops up in our reporting section, it requires at the very least, two moderators to vote for an infraction. They also have to agree on what the infraction will be. The system then keeps track of the infraction points. Get enough points, and the member will get a time out. The time outs get longer the more it happens. In order for a member to be banned permanently, there has to be a round table vote that involves all moderators. Once there's a majority one way or the other, the member is either banned, or not. Admin has the final say on all matters of course.
Now.....all that being said, we might, and often don't even issue an fraction. Often we just send out a reminder of the site rules first. A members time on the site is taken into account, previous warnings, the severity of the transgression. If someone gets an infraction or a warning for something, and then just ignores it, that will have the entire mod staff keeping an eye open for them. Get another infraction or warning for the same thing and ignore it, then things tend to go downhill pretty fast.
We've always maintained that the key to this place remaining civil is all members being respectful to their fellow members and self moderation. We have always asked all members to be a part of keeping the place in order by using the report post button if they think they see something that crosses the line. That will set the review and vote process in motion. We know sometimes discussions become heated and we will sometimes just let things slide. The point being....no one moderator can pick on any one member. If you get an infraction, then you probably earned it. Anyone can appeal a decision to administration, but we're all pretty in tune with how they want the site run. Most decisions have stood after an appeal.
Anyway...I hope that answers some of your questions.
Cheers.
Edit.....and Kenny beat me to most of it....no fair !!!! I'm typing on a phone !!!!! Lol !!!!!