1. Historical Roots of Law

2. Code of Hammurabi One of the earliest known sets of written laws
Hammurabi codified the rules and penalties for every aspect of Babylonian life
Close to 300 laws
Laws attributed to the gods
Wealthy given more protection than the poor
Based on retribution (an eye for an eye)

3. Mosaic Law One of the biggest influences on modern Canadian law
The Ten Commandments are the first part of this type of law
Similar to the Code of Hammurabi
Though more concerned with punishing deliberate actions

4. Greek Law
Athenian citizens were expected to participate in major decisions affecting the running of the country
Jury system can be traced to Athens
Largest recorded jury was 6,000 people
Only citizens could speak at trials
Both accused and accuser would suggest a sentence and the jury voted on the sentence

5. Roman Law Two basic principles
The law must be recorded
Justice could not be left to judges alone
The Twelve Tables were earliest Roman law and became the foundation for British law
Include: public prosecution of crimes, victim compensation, protected the lower class
Women were not mentioned because they had no status as people
Used legal advisers (the predecessor of lawyers)

6. Justinian’s Code
Reform of Roman law by Emperor Justinian I (completed in 529 CE)
Inspired the modern concept of justice and is a key basis for modern law
Formed the basis of civil law and criminal law

7. Napoleonic Code
Napoleon commissioned a new code of laws in order to unify French law after the French Revolution
Used a non-technical style that made it easier for people to understand
Regulated civil matters (e.g. wills, contracts)