Brainstorm…. What are the positive and negative aspects of people starting to live in villages, towns, and large communities? Positives Negatives

Hammurabi’s Code

Hammurabi King of Babylon First written code of law “Hammurabi’s Code” Eye for an eye Different punishments for different classes

Hammurabi’s Code http://mesopotamia. lib. uchicago

Rulers of ancient Babylon believed that gods entrusted them to deal fairly with their people. These laws were to protect the oppressed and safeguard human rights. Hammurabi called himself, “the king of justice to whom Shamash has committed the truth.”

Activity Directions: There are 8 scenarios posted around the room. Each scenario is a situation that Hammurabi faced. Read the scenario and decide what should be done to achieve justice. You must reach consensus with your group.

Hammurabi Decrees in code 229… a builder builds a house for a man and does not make its construction sound, and the house which he has built collapses and causes the death of the owner of the house, the builder shall be put to death.

Hammurabi decrees in code 110 If a "sister of god" (nun) who is not living in a convent opens a wine shop or enters a wine shop for a drink, they shall burn that woman.

Hammurabi decrees in code 117 If a man be in debt and is unable to pay his creditors, he shall sell his wife, son, or daughter, or bind them over to service. For three years they shall work in the houses of their purchaser or master; in the fourth year they shall be given their freedom.

Hammurabi decrees in code 109 If bad characters gather in the house of a wine seller and she does not arrest those characters and bring them to the palace, that wine seller shall be put to death.

Hammurabi decrees in code 143 If the woman has not been careful but has gadded about, neglecting her house and belittling her husband, they shall throw that woman into the water.

Hammurabi decrees in code 185 If a man takes in his own home a young boy as a son and rears him, one may not bring claim for that adopted son.

Hammurabi decrees in code 195 If a son strike his father, his hands shall be hewn off.

Hammurabi decrees in code 2 If any one bring an accusation against a man, and the accused go to the river and leap into the river, if he sink in the river his accuser shall take possession of his house. But if the river prove that the accused is not guilty, and he escape unhurt, then he who had brought the accusation shall be put to death, while he who leaped into the river shall take possession of the house that had belonged to his accuser

http://www.commonlaw.com/home/legal-history-and- philosophy/code-of-hammurabi

IMPORTANT IDEAS FROM CODE OF HAMMURABI (1772 BC)   written set of laws can be displayed and therefore known by all- no one can claim “I didn’t know!” displayed laws cannot be changed by the leader on a whim-this protects the people to some degree from abuse by the government. The gov’t is responsible for public safety and for giving the punishment for crimes- not individuals/victims. Retribution is the basis of punishment- “An eye for an eye.” This creates fear that helps people behave. (also called deterrence) People were not equal under the law. It treated men & women, adults & children, and those with power differently. Individuals have personal responsibility for their actions in society. Individuals are liable for their actions. They can be punished or lose money for doing wrong things that affect others. First idea of “presumption of innocence” – that there must be evidence of a wrongdoing in order to punish someone.