lex talionis
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The general principle of the earlier forms of justice is the lex talionis, but the infliction of the penalty was mostly in the discretion of the avenger.
From Legal Lore Curiosities of Law and Lawyers by Various
Character of early, 30; lex talionis, 30; legal codes, 30–31 Legend-s.
From Myths and Legends of China by Werner, E. T. C. (Edward Theodore Chalmers)
"There is no law in this country but one, the lex talionis, while you and I are responsible for the lives of all these about us," said Maxwell.
From The League of the Leopard by Bindloss, Harold
It is my own dear daughter, the wife of Paul Wesselenyi, who, driven from her fatherland, on her knees implored me, as I loved her, to let the lex talionis assert its rights.
From 'Midst the Wild Carpathians by J?kai, M?r
It is state-law; alike self-help, blood-feud, marriage by capture, are absent; though family solidarity, district responsibility, ordeal, the lex talionis, are primitive features that remain.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 1 "Austria, Lower" to "Bacon" by Various
