Lex Talionis

Lex Talionis, or the law of retaliation, is an ancient principle that dictates punishment corresponding directly to the offense—often summarized as "an eye for an eye." It aims to ensure justice by matching the severity of the punishment to the crime, preventing excessive penalties. Originating in Hammurabi’s Code and reflected in various legal traditions, this principle promotes fairness by minimizing arbitrary punishments. While it emphasizes proportional justice, modern legal systems often interpret it metaphorically, focusing on equitable penalties rather than exact revenge.