Code Of Hammurabi

Code Of Hammurabi The Code of Hammurabi is considered the earliest known legal document in its entirety, which is a collection of laws and edicts of the Babylonian king Hammurabi. It was uncovered by a pair of French archaeologists at Sussa, Iraq during 1901. Hammurabi established this law code in attempt to establish justice in his hand. He was basically trying to unify his people by having them follow a specific code that included moral values, economic activity, and everyday life.˜ Main Features of the Legal System The code is composed of 28 sections, which appears to be an amendment to the common law of Babylonian. First, it begins with the proper directions for legal procedures and the statements of penalties for unjust accusations, false testimony, and corruption among judges. After, follows laws involving property rights, loans, deposits, debts, domestic property, and family rights. Then follows laws indicating the punishment to physicians causing malpractice or damages caused in other trade s or professions.Code_of_Hammurabi.jpgThe Code of Hammurabi states that the basis of criminal law is that of equal retaliation, or in other words, "an eye for an eye. The law offers protection to all citizens of Babylonian of every class. The laws provide cover for the weak and the poor, including women, children, and even slaves against injustice at the hand of the rich and the powerful.˜ Examples of Laws 1. Anyone who 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...