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Simple English definitions for legal terms
eye for an eye
Read a random definition: Bill Chamber
A quick definition of eye for an eye:
Eye for an Eye: This is a law that says if someone does something bad to you, you can do the same bad thing back to them. For example, if someone hits you, you can hit them back. But you can't do more bad things than they did to you. This is called the law of retaliation or lex talionis. Some people think that punishment should only be given to someone who did something bad, and not for any other reason. They believe that punishment should be based on the principle of an eye for an eye.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Eye for an eye is a principle of retribution that means punishment should be in kind - for example, if someone takes someone else's eye, they should have their own eye taken as punishment, but no more than that.
This principle is also known as lex talionis, which is a Latin term meaning "the law of retaliation."
For example, if someone steals from another person, the punishment should be that they have to give back what they stole. If someone physically harms another person, the punishment should be that they are physically harmed in the same way.
This principle has been used in many different cultures throughout history, including ancient Babylonian and Hebrew law.
However, some people argue that this principle is too harsh and that punishment should be based on the severity of the crime rather than being an exact retaliation.
For example, if someone steals a candy bar from a store, it would not be fair to have their hand cut off as punishment. Instead, a more appropriate punishment might be to make them pay for the candy bar and do community service.