The Code of Hammurabi

Hammurabi ruled Babylonia with unlimited power and absolute authority. He expressed goodwill towards his people and protected the weak, lower class citizens from upper class citizens of higher status and power. Women citizens were noble, respected, and free. He protected consumers from professionals causing harm by faulty work and poor work ethics. In addition, he protected his citizens from judges that made careless, unjust mistakes during law cases and court proceedings.

The Code clearly stipulates punishments for crimes against morality and society. Commonly referred to as the law of “an eye for an eye” and “a tooth for a tooth” (Johns 11), it accepts no excuses or explanations for any crime committed. The only recourse that the accused person would have was to throw hi

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It states that if a merchant sells stolen property, is caught by the owner, and the owner can prove that the property being sold is his; the owner will get his property back and the merchant is put to death. Law number 195 states, if a son hits his father, his hands will

be cut off. For example, law number 129 states, anyone committing adultery would be thrown in the river and drowned but “a husband can pardon his wife and the king his slaves” (Johns 23). Many of these laws clearly state the importance of having proof of sale, trade, or purchase. Uncertain if such a form of justice would work in our society today, some people believe that if we did use this form of justice our world would be a much better place for everyone. It states, if a mother is found guilty of incest with her son they will both be burned to death. Law number 210 says that if a man hits a pregnant woman, she loses her unborn child, and then she dies, “his daughter shall be put to death” (Johns 28). mself or herself into the Euphrates River. And law number 229 states that if a builder builds a house and it falls killing the homeowner due to poor construction, “then that builder shall be put to death” (Johns 29). All parties involved needed to keep articulate records in order to prevent loss of money, loss of property, and even loss of life. These laws go as far as to include physicians, builders, and even affect family life.

Many of the laws were devoted to matters of business and agricultural life including; land ownership, slave ownership, merchants, traders, innkeepers, and tavern-keepers. Two other examples include law number 210 and law number 229. Law number 9 is a good example why the records should be maintained.

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Approximate Word count = 857
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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