Hammurabi Dbq

The Hammurabi Code of Laws is a set of rules enacted by the Babylonian King whose name was Hammurabi. The Babylonian King created a total of two-hundred eighty-two punishments that the citizens will receive if they do not abide by the laws that were given to them. The king ruled from 1792 BC to 1750 BC. The Hammurabi Code of Laws is very violent in terms of punishments. For example, one of the laws are “If anyone breaks into a house to steal, he will be put to death before that point of entry and be buried there (walled into the house)”. This is a clear example of how violent and inhumane the punishments of the Babylonians were, to us at least. This essay will be explaining a set of laws from the Hammurabi’s Code of Laws.

Hammurabi’s code included some gruesome punishments, some that might be believed as unruly, but is still just. Hammurabi’s code was just in many ways pertaining to their time. These laws are not the oldest set, but they were possibly the most strict from the ancient world. The punishments for breaking some laws are different for the multiple classes on the social structure and genders. Also, during his time, Hammurabi was known more as a builder and conqueror than a law-giver. All in all, the laws abiding in Hammurabi’s code are just because of its personal injury and family laws.

In regards to the Hammurabi Code of Law, Hammurabi claimed that the gods had picked him to “promote the welfare of the people …to cause justice to prevail in the land, to destroy the wicked and evil, so that the strong might not oppress the weak…” His intention was to hold those under his rule accountable for their actions and inspire “appropriate behaviors”. In fact, according to literature, the code functioned on the principle of “lex talionis” which basically translates as the “law of retaliation”. The idea was that the punishment would fit the crime, at least in theory. Similar to today’s laws, individual judges were allowed discretion and did not always follow the code specifically. Never the less, the code was always utilized as a reference for solution. (Bentley and Zeigler, p. 30)

The Code of Hammurabi was a strict, harsh, and unequal way of punishment that focused on current attainable penalties for Mesopotamian society. The society wasn’t religious, they did not have any affiliations with spiritual beings, which is why punishments were needed for the specific moment

The nature of the cruelty in Hammurabi's Codex is surly according to the culture of people back in that period of time  Criminal Law.

Hammurabi was the sixth and most notable king of the first Babylonian dynasty. He greatly expanded Babylon during his time as king, uniting all of Mesopotamia. His innovative Code of Laws made him an important historical figure. Hammurabi’s law codes were important not only due to the fact that they were written Akkadian—the language of the Babylonians—but also because they were physically displayed in heavily populated areas. This allowed the public to view and understand the official laws of their land—an unprecedented development during this period. Hammurabi’s Law Code provided women with a number of rights and protections, including protection of their children as well as various marital benefits.

Hammurabi ruled the city of Babylon for 30 years, after many fights with other kings he became the ruler of most of Mesopotamia. By his 38th year of rule, Hammurabi had carved all of his 282 laws out onto steles. He made his laws to create order and fairness throughout Mesopotamia (BGE). But were his codes just or unjust? They were unjust, due to the cruel punishment that they provided for the laws on family, property, and personal injury.

Justice is interpreted in different ways, by different people. Take Hammurabi’s Code for example. Hammurabi’s codes were 282 laws carved into several pillars of stone (doc A). If any of his laws were broken, the violators were subjected to cruel, unusual punishments. The slightest of misdemeanors, were punishable by publicly demeaning them. In present times his codes would considered unjust and cruel. However, in ancient times these laws were deemed appropriate as well as just.

How would you like to be a woman in Mesopotamia when Hammurabi ruled? Back then it was really unfair for women. Hammurabi’s Code was unfair and too harsh for women. The laws that are in the documents are a too harsh, mostly for women. Two of the laws in document E are way too easy for men( Laws 209, 213 ). In the article, “Hammurabi’s Code: Was It Just?” the text states, “Nearly 4,000 years ago, a man named Hammurabi became king of a city-state called Babylon.” Hammurabi ruled for forty-two years. The article says, “ For the first 30 of these years, Hammurabi’s control was limited mostly to Babylon.” Hammurabi soon took power in 1792 BCE. He would eventually rule over an estimated population of one million. Most of Hammurabi’s laws were way too harsh, mainly for women. I am glad things are not the same for women today!

Laws have been around since the beginning of civilization. While today most countries are pretty ‘laxed compared to ancient Babylonian times, some countries, particularly the ones in the Middle East, still have strict laws similar to Hammurabi’s Code. In today’s society Hammurabi’s Code may be viewed as a little excessive; however, for the time they were written, i find these laws to be justifiable. Hammurabi’s Code was fair to the less fortunate. He ensures equality of people with justifiable punishments for crimes people have committed which are best highlighted through his family care, property, and personal injury laws.

Hammurabi’s Code: Was it just? Hammurabi’s Code was king of Mesopotamia 4,000 years ago and he even made 282 laws which protect the family, personal property, and personal injury. To begin, Hammurabi’s Code did protect the family. For example, if a man has a diseased wife and the illness has taken over he will still have to take care of her. He would need to take care of her until she dies.

Hammurabi code The Hammurabi code worked to keep order, justice, and discrimination exists between slave’s free men, women and children. The code was very strict and unnecessary because of the unfair punishments that came with the code. Even though this code was very strict and no one liked it, it was still the first order of law. Women laws were very unfair compared to the laws against men.

Hammurabi’s Code Hammurabi’s Code was created by Hammurabi. I think that Hammurabi’s Code was too brutal and unfair because in almost every rule there is death, unfair laws and much more horrifying deaths, and laws. Some of these documents and laws are truly unfair, and some don’t make any sense. In my opinion, these laws are very terrifying as we talk about these laws. Hammurabi’s Code pococurante about women.

Egyptians would write down court cases and this document is one of them. This story had to be written by someone in the higher class since only a fraction of the population was literate. This tale is written about a peasant whose donkey and goods are stolen, and the peasant seeks justice.

Eye for an eye tooth for a tooth. This is presented in hammurabi's code. It shows that he may be just or unjust. In this essay I will see if he is fair or not. Some of the laws will be talked about in this presentation.