Lex Talionis, often referred to as the law of retaliation, is a principle that suggests a punishment should correspond directly to the offense committed. This concept is famously encapsulated in the phrase "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," indicating that the severity of the punishment should match the harm done. It aims to ensure justice by preventing excessive retribution. Historically, Lex Talionis has been a foundational element in various legal systems, including those of ancient civilizations like Babylon and Rome. It reflects a desire for balance in justice, promoting the idea that penalties should be proportional to the crime, thereby discouraging cycles of vengeance.