lex talionis

 
Pronunciation: /lɛks ˌtalɪˈəʊnɪs/

noun

[mass noun]
  • the law of retaliation, whereby a punishment resembles the offence committed in kind and degree: the lex talionis of feud violence and blood money

Origin:

Latin, from lex 'law' and talio(n-) 'retaliation' (from talis 'such')