1. Hammurabi’s Code: Imposing order or the beginning of unfair laws? Christopher Leahey cleahey@nscsd.org North Syracuse Junior High School June 26, 2012

2. The 5 Steps of the WHPPA  Identify Problem  Gather the Evidence  Determine Causes  Evaluate the Policy  Do a Comparative Analysis

3. Identify the Problem  It is the year 1772 BC and Mesopotamia is becoming a thriving civilization with thousands of people sharing a common space. As they make the shift toward a farming culture, people have settled down, built houses, and started farming the land.  What kinds of problems might arise when people live close together?

4. Gather Evidence  Please read the 15 preselected Hammurabi’s Laws.Hammurabi’s Laws  Summarize 5 of the 15 laws.  Which ones do you believe are fair? What makes them fair?  Which laws do you believe are unfair? Why do you believe they are unfair?

5. Determine the Causes  Review the 15 laws provided. Write them down.  Explain what you think are the societal causes for these laws.

6. Evaluate the Existing Policy  If we look at these 15 laws as a whole, what can we learn about life in 1772 BC?  What methods did Hammurabi use (for example, fines, physical punishment, etc.)  Do you believe these methods are effective? Why or why not?

7. Comparative Analysis Read the article about a judge who used “eye for an eye” to discipline an 11-year-old.article Does this reflect the basic idea behind Hammurabi’s Code? Do you agree with this punishment? Why or why not?