Which is regarded as the first written law in Western Civilization that introduced the concept of "an eye for an eye"?

The Code of Hammurabi is recognized as the first written law in Western Civilization, dating back to around 1754 BC in ancient Babylon. This set of laws famously includes the principle of retribution encapsulated in the phrase "an eye for an eye," which established a standard for justice that emphasized proportionality in punishment.

The significance of the Code lies in its comprehensive approach to lawmaking; it addressed various aspects of society, including trade, property, marriage, and personal injury. This legal framework emphasized accountability and offered a way to resolve disputes through established laws rather than personal vendettas.

The other choices—Common Law, the Declaration of Independence, and the Magna Carta—are important legal documents but do not represent the earliest written laws or the specific concept of retribution that is prominently featured in the Code of Hammurabi. Common Law developed later as a system of law based on judicial decisions, the Declaration of Independence primarily focuses on political rights, and the Magna Carta introduced principles of due process and individual rights but not the specific legal principle of "an eye for an eye." Thus, the Code of Hammurabi stands out as the foundational document that introduced this pivotal legal concept.