1. Historical Roots of Law

2. Law & Civilizations
Laws in the form of community enforced rules have existed since people began to interact
Most were based on common sense and passed on by word of mouth
As populations grew and laws became more complex, the need to record laws in writing increased

3. Code of Hammurabi (1792 – 1750 BCE)
One of the earliest known sets of recorded laws, written by King Hammurabi of Babylon
He codified, or recorded, the rules and penalties for every aspect of Babylonian life

4. Code of Hammurabi (1792 – 1750 BCE)
Laws reflected a patriarchal, male dominated society
Higher members of society would be punished, however women or slaves would actually receive retribution
No distinction was made between an accident and a deliberate action

5. Code of Hammurabi (1792 – 1750 BCE)
Many of the laws were based on retribution – an eye for an eye type of justice
Other laws focused on restitution, meaning a compensation payment would be made to the victim

6. Mosaic Law (c BCE)
One of the greatest influence of modern law in Canada is biblical law
Also know as Hebrew law or Mosaic Law these laws are often referred to as the Ten Commandments
Recorded in the Book of Exodus

7. Mosaic Law (c BCE)
Basic principles are similar to the Code of Hammurabi yet the laws had evolved
Law was more concerned with punishing deliberate actions instead of accidental acts of harm
Punishment focused on the offender and not someone of lesser status

8. Greek Law (c. 400 BCE) First form of democracy was born in Greece
Greek law promoted citizen involvement in running the country
Voting and Jury Duty were both major responsibilities for citizens
Sentencing was also democratic

9. Roman Law (c. 450 BCE – 100 CE)
There were two basic principles to Roman Law:
1)The Law must be recorded
2)Justice could not be left of the hands of judges alone to interpret

10. Roman Law (c. 450 BCE – 100 CE)
Roman Laws were codified and could be revised when necessary
The Twelve Tablets dictated the law of England and is considered the foundation for modern law
The practice of having a legal advisor who specializes in law first occurred

11. Roman Law (c. 450 BCE – 100 CE) The Twelve Tablets Promoted:
–Public Prosecution of crimes
–A system of victim compensation
–Protected lower classes from the ruling class
Women however were not mentioned because they were not considered persons

12. Justinian’s Code (527 - 565 CE)
Byzantine Emperor Justinian I commissioned the clarification and organization of Roman law
A new body of law was completed known as Justinian’s Code
It formed the basis for civil law
The word justice is derived from his name

13. The Napoleonic Code   (1804)
The Napoleonic Code’s non-technical style made laws accessible to the public
Also known as the French Civil Code
Regulated civil matters such as property, wills, contracts, and family law

14. Key Definitions
Codified – Laws that are arranged and recorded systematically
Retribution – Justice based on vengeance and punishment
Restitution – Payment made by the offender to the victim of a crime