How they reflected Babylonian values (and our own!) The Code of Hammurabi How they reflected Babylonian values (and our own!)

Code of Hammurabi Person was innocent until proven guilty (if found guilty, harsh punishment)

Honesty is #1. If you’re caught lying…harsh punishment. Code of Hammurabi Honesty is #1. If you’re caught lying…harsh punishment.

Code of Hammurabi Hierarchical different forms (levels) of punishment—according to social class—for same crimes.

Code of Hammurabi Rights of individuals come second to the good of the group/government (Civil Duty)

What’s it got to do with me? Code of Hammurabi set the standard for all future societies Legal scholars call it the first great legal document of civilization Taken from Junior Scholastic, “Laying Down the Law”, September 18, 2006, p.16-17.

Umm…So what? Think of what life would be like without laws Without traffic laws? Without food preparation laws? Think what it would be like with no punishments What might happen when you get mad?

If there were no written down laws… Life would be different! People might behave in ways that would cause you harm (physically and emotionally) Your ‘stuff’ might be destroyed/taken People with different personalities/talents might have it better (or worse!) than you Would it be more or less fair than ‘nowadays’? You be the JUDGE! (hee hee)

Cause & Effect! Laws = rules + punishment Rules = tell you how to behave Punishment = what will happen if you don’t follow the rules

Cause & Effect! When rules ARE followed: When rules AREN’T followed: Everyone’s behavior is predictable and acceptable life is kept in order When rules AREN’T followed: Everyone’s behavior is unpredictable and unacceptable life is chaotic