Hammurabi's Code is known for which principle?

Hammurabi's Code is famously associated with the principle of "eye for an eye" justice, a foundational concept in ancient legal systems. This principle encapsulates the idea of retributive justice, where the punishment for an offense is proportional to the crime committed. The phrase "an eye for an eye" expresses the notion that penalties should mirror the severity of the perpetrator's actions, thereby aiming to ensure that justice is both equitable and balanced.

This concept reflects the social values of ancient Mesopotamia, where maintaining order and accountability was essential for the stability of the society. By establishing clear and systematic laws articulated in Hammurabi’s Code, communities were able to seek justice in a manner that was predictable and standardized, giving rise to a more structured legal system.

In contrast to this principle, notions such as swift justice or equitable punishment, while relevant in discussions of law, do not capture the core idea that Hammurabi's Code is most recognized for. Diplomatic resolutions, although important in political contexts, fall outside the specific legal principles that Hammurabi laid out, as the Code primarily focused on civil and criminal law rather than diplomatic affairs.