The principle of "eye for an eye" is often seen as a harsh and barbaric form of justice, but it was actually considered a fair and just way to deal with crime in ancient times. It was believed that this principle would deter people from committing crimes, as they knew that the punishment would be severe. Additionally, it was seen as a way to ensure that the victim of a crime would receive justice and compensation for their injuries.
However, the principle of "eye for an eye" is not always applied literally. In some cases, it may be interpreted more leniently, such as in the case of a person who accidentally kills another person. In this case, the person may be required to pay compensation to the victim's family instead of being put to death.
Overall, the principle of "eye for an eye" is a fundamental part of the ancient legal code of Hammurabi. It is a reflection of the values and beliefs of the people of ancient Mesopotamia and can be seen as an early example of the concept of justice and fairness.