Prescribes a sense of balance in the imposition of a just punishment.

By metering out a fit punishment for the severity of the crime, it restores order.

Lex Talionis admits limitations in punishment.

~ We cannot justify brutality for brutality, rape for rape, torture for torture.

Lex Talionis “was an attempt to curb the spirit of vindication among God's people who would have sought to punish the guilty sevenfold by plucking out both eyes and knocking out several teeth… the law of talion does not command but limits revenge."

- Bishop Sean O'Malley, OFM Cap.