Lex talionis
Defined in 4 dictionaries — Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910), Black's (1891), Bouvier (1839)
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
The law of retaliation ; which requires the infliction uppn a wrongdoer of the same injury which he has caused to another. Expressed in the Mosaic law by the formula, "an eye for an eye; a tooth for a tooth," etc. In modem international law, the term describes the rule by which one state may inflict upon the citizens of another state death, imprisonment, or other hardship, in retaliation for similar injuries imposed upon its own citizens.
Defined under Lex in Black's Law Dictionary.
A Dictionary of Law
Henry Campbell Black · 1891
The law of retaliation; which requires the infliction upon a wrongdoer of the same injury which he has caused to another. Txpressed in the Mosaic law by the formula, “an eya for an eye; a tooth for a tooth,” ete. In modern interna tional law, the term describes the rule by which one state may inflict upon the citizens of another state death, imprisonment, or otl: er hardship, in retaliation for similar injuries imposed upon its own citizens.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
John Bouvier · 1839
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.