Why does the prince not have Romeo killed? After all, he has already passed a death sentence for anybody who fights?Romeo and Juliet by William...

First of all, the Prince has ordered death for any
citizen who disturbs the streets of Verona, which Romeo, Mercutio, and Tybalt all have
done. Technically, they all should be put to death. The Capulets bring Tybalt's dead
body before the Prince just as the Montagues bring Mercutio's dead body, each family
seeking vengeance for the death of their loved
one.

The Prince questions Benvolio, since as his name
implies, he is good and trustworthy (bene/bueno= good). Benvolio tells the Prince how
Romeo greeted Tybalt pleasantly, refusing to argue and greeting him as a friend. At this
point, the audience knows (dramatic irony) that Romeo is married to Juliet, making
him cousin to Tybalt. We understand why Romeo won't fight Tybalt, but Tybalt doesn't
understand. Tybalt still wants vengeance against Romeo for disrespecting the
Capulets.

Mercutio, who claims that Romeo was no match to
fight Tybalt, "The Prince of Cats," is enraged that Romeo will not at least defend
himself. Because Romeo won't fight Tybalt, Mercutio decides to pick up the gauntlet. As
a reputable swordsman, Mercutio would most likely defeat Tybalt easily. Unfortunately,
Romeo tries to break up the fight, and while so doing, he ironically causes Mercutio
to be fatally wounded.

Benvolio relates this entire story
to the Prince, who sees that Tybalt was the instigator. It is clear that Romeo had tried
on several occasions to avoid conflict. It was only after he saw Tybalt slay Mercutio
that Romeo snaps in a brash, thoughtless, implusive moment in which he chases down
Tybalt and kills him. Mercutio, cousin to the Prince, would (at least to some extent)
be considered fairly avenged.

The Prince sees that a death
sentence would be too severe under the circumstances and for a man of Romeo's character.
Quickly, the Prince makes the decision to exile Romeo rather than put him to death. In
fourteenth century Verona, exile was as close to death as one could
get.

The Prince's decision to exile Romeo rather than
execute him is due to the unusual circumstances of the crime as well as Romeo's
exceptional character.