Upholding the law

                 Romeo in Romeo and Juliet had an unfair punishment because he killed Tybalt in self defense, he was too upset about Mercutio's death, and the government would have sentenced Tybalt to death.  If Romeo did not kill Tybalt, Tybalt would have killed him.  Tybalt said "Thou wretched boy, that didst consort him here, shalt with him hence" (III, i, 126-127).  This suggests that Tybalt wants Romeo to follow Mercutio to his grave.   Consequently, Romeo was upset about Mercutio being murdered.  Romeo elucidates that he is angry, "Alive, in triumph, and Mercutio slain. Away to heaven respective lenity, and fire-eyed fury be my conduct now" (III, i, 118-120).  Moreover, the government would have sentenced Tybalt to death, Romeo just did it for them.  Prince says "Romeo slew him, he slew Mercutio.  Who now the price of his dear blood doth owe" (III, i, 178-179).  The government implies that Romeo could not be killed for Tybalt's death because Tybalt would have been killed anyway.  Romeo should have never been punished for killing Tybalt in self defense and upholding the law.