Code of Hammurabi

The Code of Hammurabi stands as one of the earliest and most significant legal codes ever discovered, dating back to approximately 1754 BC in ancient Babylon. This comprehensive code was instituted by Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylon, and comprises 282 laws that address various facets of daily life and justice.

Unearthed by archaeologists in 1901, the Code of Hammurabi is inscribed in the Akkadian language on a stone stele. The laws are meticulously arranged into 44 columns and 28 paragraphs, with many adhering to the principle of "an eye for an eye." This code aimed to promote fairness, protect the vulnerable, and ensure justice within Babylonian society.

Nevertheless, the code was not entirely egalitarian. It included biases and imposed different punishments based on social class and gender. Babylonian society was stratified into three primary classes: property owners, freed men, and slaves. The penalties for offenses varied significantly depending on the social status of both the offender and the victim.

Despite these inequalities, the Code of Hammurabi is lauded for its legal sophistication and judicial reasoning. It addressed a broad spectrum of issues such as slander, fraud, slavery, workers' duties, theft, trade, liability, divorce, adultery, and perjury. Notably, it also introduced the presumption of innocence and allowed both the accused and the accuser to present evidence.

Interestingly, various copies of portions of the code have been discovered on clay tablets, some potentially predating the famous stone stele. The Code of Hammurabi has exerted a lasting influence, shaping subsequent legal systems and serving as an early model for governance and societal regulation.