In Latin: “lex talionis”, retaliation. It is derived from the early Babylonian principle “eye for an eye” or “tooth for a tooth”. This implies that punishment for criminal acts or offenses must be commensurate to the injuries or damages inflicted on others.

In other words, it means retaliation in kind (tit for tat/ measure for measure): punishment or penalty should be administered in the same form and magnitude of injuries or damages caused to the victims.