A Discussion of the Hammurabi’s Code of Laws Essay Example
A Discussion of the Hammurabi’s Code of Laws Essay Example

A Discussion of the Hammurabi’s Code of Laws Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (505 words)
  • Published: February 14, 2022
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The Hammurabi Code is an ancient Mesopotamian law code discovered in Babylon that has been well-preserved. Its origins can be dated back to approximately 1750 B.C and it was established by Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylon.

This study aims to analyze and discuss specific information found in Hammurabi's law codes, specifically focusing on the scaled punishments and the principle of "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth". The codes differentiate between punishments for slaves and free men, indicating a social hierarchy. Upon a critical analysis of the codes, it becomes evident that social justice and equality were not the primary aims of these laws. Instead, they prioritize another debated issue, which will be explored later in this text.

To support the theme mentioned above, approximately half of the law codes concentrate on contract matters. This includes establishing wage payment levels fo

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r ox drivers and surgeons. Other extensions of the legal system address transaction terms, specifically discussing the liability of builders in the event of a house collapse (King ; Horne). Only a small portion, less than a third, of the code provisions touch on social problems within new households. These provisions address issues of social justice and equality, such as inheritance, divorce, paternity, and sexual behavior within a community (King ; Horne). However, Hammurabi's collection lacks sufficient information to thoroughly discuss societal justice and equality. Overall, the law codes cover various subjects including slander, trade, slavery, worker duties, theft, food regulations, liability, and divorce. The issue of honesty is significantly addressed in multiple sections of the code, with corresponding punitive actions for lying and false accusations against others.

The impact of punishment could

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manifest in an individual's life, as demonstrated by disciplinary measures such as ear amputation or execution (King ; Horne). Additionally, Hammurabi's emphasis on laws and property suggests a lesser concern for social justice and equality. Notably, the Babylonians assigned great importance to property rights.

The ordeals were concerned about issues regarding the slaves, crops and fields, homes, individual belongings, and also the inheritances. For instance, if someone left his property to someone else for keeping them safe and uses them instead, he must pay the same five times for compensation (King & Horne). In summary, perhaps Hammurabi wanted to instill in Babylonians a sense of personal responsibility. Throughout the Hammurabi law codes, respect is paid to the corresponding status. In conjunction with the above allegation, the rules differed according to social equality, justice, and even gender parities. The codes considered a rigorous approach to social justice.

The severity of crime penalties varied depending on the identity of the lawbreaker and the victim, as outlined in Hammurabi's law codes. These laws also established different punishments for men and women in matters of marital fidelity, with men having more advantages. While social equality and social justice were not the sole focus of Hammurabi's laws, they addressed other important issues in addition to these concerns.

References

  1. King, L., & Horne, C. Hammurabi's Code of Laws (1780 B.C.).
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