Question
was the principle of "lox talionis" and how was it used in the Code of Hammurabl (provide one example)? __
Solution
4.2
(214 Votes)
Arlette
Elite ยท Tutor for 8 years
Answer
The principle of "lex talionis" is the law of retaliation, often expressed as "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." It means that the punishment for a crime should be proportional to the offense committed. Rather than arbitrary punishments, *lex talionis* aimed for equivalent retribution.In the Code of Hammurabi, *lex talionis* was a central principle, though it wasn't applied universally. It was applied differently based on social class. While the code aimed for proportionate retribution, it also reflected the hierarchical nature of Babylonian society.**Example:** Law 196 of the Code of Hammurabi states: "If a man put out the eye of another man, his eye shall be put out." This is a direct application of *lex talionis*. If a free man blinded another free man, he would be blinded in return. However, if a free man blinded a slave, he would pay a fine. This demonstrates the class-based application of the principle.