Explain two aspects of society that were covered by Hammurabi’s code. What concept was the punishment for breaking a law based on?

Hammurabi's code was a set of laws that governed the ancient Babylonian society. Two aspects of society that were covered by the code were property rights and family law. Property rights were established to protect the rights of landowners and to ensure that debts were paid. Family law was established to protect the rights of women and children, including the right to inherit property and the right to be protected from abuse.

The concept that the punishment for breaking a law was based on was the concept of "an eye for an eye". This meant that the punishment for a crime was equal to the harm caused by the crime. For example, if someone stole something, they would be required to pay back the same amount that was stolen.

Oh and Hammurabi's Code covered business dealings, family law, and civil and criminal liability. About half of the laws engraved are concerning contracts. The Code of Hammurabi includes many harsh punishments, sometimes demanding the removal of the guilty party's tongue, hands, breasts, eye or ear. But the code is also one of the earliest examples of an accused person being considered innocent until proven guilty.

-Yours Truly
Miss Perfect / Miss Know|It|All

Hammurabi's code, one of the oldest known legal codes, covered various aspects of Babylonian society. Two notable aspects covered in the code were social hierarchy and the concept of lex talionis, also known as "an eye for an eye."

Firstly, Hammurabi's code addressed social hierarchy. It established a complex social structure that divided society into different classes or groups. This social stratification was reflected in the laws, with different punishments for crimes depending on the status of the victim or perpetrator. For example, crimes committed against a noble or a member of the upper class often carried more severe consequences than those committed against a commoner or slave.

Secondly, the code was based on the principle of lex talionis, which meant that the punishment for breaking a law was directly related to the offense committed. This concept is commonly summarized as "an eye for an eye." In Hammurabi's code, this principle was applied to ensure that the punishment corresponded to the severity of the crime. For instance, if someone caused harm to another person, the punishment would involve inflicting a similar harm upon the offender, such as a physical injury or monetary compensation.

To understand these aspects of Hammurabi's code, one can refer to the actual text of the code itself, which consists of 282 laws inscribed on a stele or stone pillar. By examining the various laws listed, one can gain insight into how social hierarchy was addressed and how the principle of lex talionis was applied in Babylonian society. Additionally, reading interpretations and scholarly analyses of the code can offer further understanding and context.

Never learned your lesson... I see.

Welcome back 🌺🐱Catwolf901🐺🌺