Lex Talionis
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
The law of for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, &c. Jurists and writers on international law are divided as to the right of one nation punishing with death, by way of retaliation, the citizens or subjects of another nation; in the United States no example of such barbarity has ever been witnessed; but prisoners have been kept in close confinement in retaliation for the same. conduct towards American prisoners. Vide Rutherf. Inst. b.
2, ¢.9; Mart. Law of Nat. b. 8, c. 1, s. 3, note; 1 Kent, Com. 93.