Title: In Romeo and Juliet, why is Romeo banished? - eNotes.com
Headings: In
Romeo and Juliet
, why is Romeo banished?

Romeo and Juliet
In Romeo and Juliet, why is Romeo banished?
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And for that offence Immediately we do exile him [Romeo] hence (Shakespeare, 3.1.148-149).
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Content: Shortly after Tybalt kills Romeo's close friend Mercutio, Romeo seeks revenge by slaying Tybalt in the streets, which is a turning point in the play. Following Tybalt's death, Romeo flees and Prince Escalus arrives on the scene, demanding to know the source of the confrontation. Benvolio, Romeo's cousin, recounts the events by explaining how Tybalt started the fight and Romeo sought revenge. Following Benvolio's account, Lady Capulet argues for Romeo's death and Lord Montague states that his son was carrying out the law by taking Tybalt's life. Lord Montague reasons that Tybalt would have inevitably died for his crime and that Romeo was simply taking matters into his own hands. After careful examination, Prince Escalus decides to spare Romeo's life and banishes him from Verona. Given Prince Escalus's relation to Mercutio, it is likely he sides with Lord Montague because Tybalt killed his relative. Once Romeo learns that he has been exiled from Verona, he breaks down in tears and contemplates suicide. Friar Laurence rebukes Romeo for his immature response and urges him to be grateful for the prince 's merciful ruling. Despite Friar Laurence's rational argument, Romeo says he would rather die than be apart from Juliet.