The Collaborative International Dictionary
Draconian \Dra*co"ni*an\,
Pertaining to Draco, a famous lawgiver of Athens, 621
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Used especially in the phrase Draconian punishment.
Draconian code, or Draconian laws, a code of laws made by Draco. Their measures were so severe that they were said to be written in letters of blood; hence, any laws of excessive rigor.
Draconian punishment, punishment so severe as to seem excessive for the crime being punishe
Usage examples of "draconian laws".
How all his people's efforts had resulted only in more savage and draconian laws, in fiercer oppressions.
The opportunists moved in and took over, and there were six years of Draconian laws and corrupt administrations from the lower to the upper Hudson.
In his eyes a crime was a crime and when he had finished his code, the people of Athens discovered that these Draconian laws were so severe that they could not possibly be put into effect.
I knew of the law and of the fine of which he had spoken, and they did not frighten me (as like all Draconian laws, it was seldom it was put in force), but I could not hide from myself that a jealous man, especially one who was something of a brute, would be able to interfere very sadly with such a liaison as I had now on hand, and make it very uncomfortable for the woman too.
Confounded and frustrated, the government enacts increasingly draconian laws until we find ourselves at the ludicrous point where the Speaker of the House can seriously propose to execute people-strap them to a gurney and snuff out their lives-for possessing the botanical equivalent of two bottles of vodka, and no one anywhere seems to question it.