to retaliate or to forgive?

An eye for an eye or lex talionis (law of retaliation) is not helpful in the long run.

Anyone who maims another shall suffer the same injury in return: fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; the injury inflicted is the injury to be suffered. One who kills an animal shall make restitution for it; but one who kills a human being shall be put to death. (Lv 24:19-24:21 )

As a Law regulating the severity of punishment, this can only perpetuate hatred and discord and contempt.  Remorse? Insight? Regret for deeds done? The perpetrator knows no regret and ruminates on revenge in the black pit of his own ignorance. And does the victim have true justice?

The old Law taints many others. A judge as the hand of power and might, the bloody hand that maims or kills carrying out the sentence and perhaps even a jury of peers or neighbours who are now all involved, now all sharing in the sentence. All are tainted.
 

There is another way.

You have heard that it was said, 'an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. (Mt 5:38-42)
 

The new way requires that the 'victim' be the judge and hand of power. There is no punishment, save the confusion and turmoil in the mind of the 'evil person', now a forgiven perpetrator who knows personally the grace of brotherly love. The victim is freed of hatred and desire for revenge by forgiveness and can move on. And no others are involved, save those who through their witness choose to change their lives when next injured. Instead of retaliation, they can choose to offer up the other cheek, lend their own cloak or walk that second mile themselves. They too, can know grace for themselves, practise love and be free.