The Code of Hammurabi

Here are some sample provisions from the Babylonian Code:

i. If a nobleman comes forward with a false testimony in a case and cannot prove the words
that he speaks, if that case involves life, that nobleman shall be put to death.
ii. If a nobleman commits robbery and is caught, that nobleman shall be put to death; also, the
one who receives the stolen goods from his hand shall be put to death.
iii. If a woman is a gadabout, thus neglecting her house and humiliating her husband, that
woman shall be thrown into the water.
iv. If a man takes a wife and fails to draw up a marriage contract with her, that woman shall be
thrown into the water.
v. If a son strikes his father, he shall have his hand cut off.
vi. If a nobleman destroys the eye of another member of the aristocracy, his eye shall also be
destroyed.
vii. If a nobleman destroys the eye of a noblemans slave or destroys the bone of a commoner,
he shall pay one mina of silver.
viii. If a builder constructs a house for a nobleman and it is negligently constructed, with the
result the house collapses and causes death of the owner of the house, that builder shall be
put to death.
ix. If a physician performs a major operation on a nobleman with a bronze lancet and causes his
death, the physicians hand shall be cut off


Analysis:

1. After reading the above provisions from Babylonian Code, identify to which provisions each
of the concepts apply. (Note that a concept may apply to more than one provision).

Authority Punishment Marriage Equality Crime Guilt Justice











2. In what way, if any, has the Babylonian Code contributed to the development of
contemporary laws and legal institutions? Explain.