Hammurabi
Of the many law codes surviving from the ancient Middle East, perhaps the most famous is the Code of Hammurabi, sixth King of the Amorite Dynasty of Old Babylon. Today, the code, engraved in stone takes on a unique form as a piece of art. However, decoded it is clear that this stone was obeyed and served as a sort of political propaganda.
The noted stone found in 1901 by French archeologists, now rests in the Paris Louvre where it is preserved from moisture and natural decomposition. The raw material consists of an 8 ft. tall block of black basalt engraved with cuneiform. It clearly intended to be observed in public. The immense size of this rock was a sign of strength and authority and its dark coloration an ominous warning. At the top is a depiction of Hammurabi receiving the code from Shamash the sun god or god of justice. In this picture the two men are the same size, which symbolizes Hammurabi’s power being equal to that of the gods. Below this is a prologue praising Hammurbai’s wisdom and power. To further its legitimacy the law code was in those days regarded as subject for prayer, though the prayers here are chiefly cursings of whoever shall neglect or destroy the law.
The content of the code regulates in clear and definite strokes the organization of society and the harsh punishment for crimes. For example, the witness who testifies falsely is to be slain. Indeed, more serious crimes were punishable with death. If a man builds a house poorly, and it falls and kills the owner, the builder is to be slain. If the owner’s son is killed, the builder’s son is slain. The idea of “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” could not be debated.
We as people have always searched for a code of morals and conduct. It is what has held empires, nations, and families from falling into chaos. This is what the code of Hammurabi and the law of Moses instituted in maintaining order. Both laws have a strong foundation and way of promoting justice that rivals many systems today in regards to effectiveness. Many of the laws given were later used in future governments. There are many similarities and differences between these documents, and this analysis will share some of the those. These two documents provide rich resources and were made for two specific peoples because of women’s rights found in the code, the consequences of actions when violating code, and the vision of the laws created.
When Atticus chooses to defend Tom Robinson, he knows he will most likely lose the first trial. His friends and colleagues will talk behind his back for defending a black man under a capitol defense. He knows though that this is a trial in his life that he must defend in order for him to live the rest of his life with his head held up high.”For a number of reasons, Atticus said, The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this country in legislature, I couldn’t even tell you or Jem not to do something again,’ Atticus says to Scout one night while explain to her why he is defending a black man. This shows Atticus’ high ideals and morals he has must be upheld by him if he is to live with himsel...
“Off with the hands” said Hammurabi. This happened because a surgeon has killed a patient with a bronze lancet. Hammurabi had stated his rule only ruling Babylon he ruled this city-state for 30 of his 42 years in rule. Later he took victories in Mari and Larsa in order to have a giant kingdom. Then in his 38th year of rule he created his code which consisted of 282 laws which were carved on a large pillar like stone. Hammurabi’s code was not just as it explains in Family law, Property law, and Personal Injury law.
Atticus did what no other person would do in Maycomb, he defended a negro man in court. In the novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, Atticus is a lawyer that has to defend Tom Robinson because Tom was accused of raping a white lady. Others in Maycomb don’t agree with Atticus because he took a black man’s words over a white woman’s word. Atticus is a man of morals with integrity, so he did the right thing and took Tom Robinson’s side. It makes sense for Atticus to take a stand to defend Tom Robinson because he follows his morals and the golden rule.
Throughout the world, people consider The Code of Hammurabi one of the most important codes of law ever recorded in the history of the world based on what it tells us about the history of early Babylon. The code gives people a way to see not only how the society of Babylon developed early on but also how other civilizations were developing complex societies, which were similar to the Babylonians. However, the code also shows us how the role of written documents and writing is effectively portrayed in Hammurabi’s laws. This is effectively observed by analyzing what types of documents the code provides evidence for, what are situations and reasons in which Babylonians used writing, and if writing is the only acceptable form of proof. The Code of Hammurabi is one of the most important codes ever recorded because it shows us evidence of early principles of justice, which provide proof for early legal documentation; gives us observable, physical proof of the Babylonian beliefs for future people to witness; and shows us how written works are the only acceptable form of proof because of the historical accuracy of the work.
“‘The main one is, if I didn’t I couldn’t hold up my head in town, I couldn’t represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again’” (Lee 100). Atticus knows that if he didn’t go with his gut and defend Tom, he would be lacking in teaching his children an important lesson. If he didn’t teach his kids to stand up for what is right, what kind of father would he be? It makes sense that Atticus might defend Tom for the sake of them and the main lesson he would get out of it. He also does it in hope of keeping Jem and Scout away from “Maycomb’s Disease.” Atticus tells his brother, “‘I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb’s usual disease. Why otherwise reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a Negro comes up, is something I don’t pretend to understand’” (Lee 117). Atticus’s son, Jem, looks up to him in many ways and is good at making the right decision like his father. Atticus did a good thing by defending Tom Robinson because he taught his kids many valuable lessons. For example, when Atticus is at the jailhouse to protect Tom, Jem goes to protect Atticus and refuses when he tells him to leave. “‘Go home, Jem,’ he said. ‘Take Scout and Dill home.’ We were accustomed to
The Code of Hammurabi, carved into stone, leaves no questions about its credibility. It stands out because it was the most complex and most advanced collection of law in its time.
King, L. W. (2014, April 30th). Ancient History Sourcebook: Code of Hammurabi, c. 1780 BCE. Retrieved from Fordham University: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/hamcode.asp
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