Code of Hammurabi

Definition

The Code of Hammurabi is one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, created around 1754 BC during the reign of King Hammurabi of Babylon. This code is significant for its role in establishing justice and order within society, highlighting the principles of retribution and social hierarchy, while influencing future legal systems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Code consists of 282 laws covering various aspects of daily life, including trade, family relations, labor, and criminal justice.
2. It was inscribed on a stone stele and displayed publicly for citizens to see, reinforcing transparency in law and governance.
3. The laws reflect a strict social hierarchy, with different punishments based on social class; for example, the penalties were harsher for offenses against the upper class compared to those against lower classes.
4. One famous law from the Code states that if a builder constructs a house that collapses and kills the owner’s son, the builder will be put to death.
5. The Code has influenced many subsequent legal systems throughout history, establishing a foundation for concepts like presumption of innocence and the importance of evidence in legal proceedings.

Review Questions

• How did the Code of Hammurabi establish principles of justice in Babylonian society?
  • The Code of Hammurabi established principles of justice by setting out clear laws that defined acceptable behavior and corresponding punishments for violations. Its focus on retribution ensured that punishments were proportional to the crimes committed. This structure helped maintain social order in Babylonian society by providing citizens with a clear understanding of the consequences of their actions.
• Discuss the significance of public display of the Code of Hammurabi in relation to governance and societal norms.
  • The public display of the Code of Hammurabi was significant because it promoted transparency in governance and allowed citizens to understand their rights and responsibilities. By making the laws accessible to everyone, it discouraged arbitrary rule and highlighted the expectation that justice would be consistently applied. This practice not only reinforced societal norms but also contributed to a collective sense of accountability among citizens.
• Evaluate how the social hierarchy reflected in the Code of Hammurabi influences modern legal systems today.
  • The social hierarchy evident in the Code of Hammurabi presents a complex relationship between law and social status that still resonates in modern legal systems. While today's legal frameworks advocate equality before the law, disparities in treatment can still arise based on factors such as economic status or social power. Analyzing how ancient laws prioritized different classes allows us to critically assess current justice systems and recognize ongoing challenges in achieving true equality for all individuals.

Related terms

Hammurabi:

The sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, renowned for his contributions to law and governance, particularly through the establishment of the Code of Hammurabi.

Mesopotamia: An ancient region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, often referred to as the cradle of civilization where early forms of writing, law, and urbanization emerged.

Lex Talionis: A principle found in the Code of Hammurabi meaning 'an eye for an eye', which emphasizes retributive justice and proportionality in legal punishments.