Was Hammurabi's Code Just Dbq

Hammurabi’s Code: Was it Just? Hammurabi was the king of Babylon nearly 4,000 years ago. As king of Babylon, Hammurabi created the first written code of law. This code was known as Hammurabi’s Code. Hammurabi created his code of law to “bring fairness and order to all” (Background Essay). However, there is great debate throughout history about whether or not Hammurabi’s Code was just. Hammurabi’s Code was not fair because of its family law, property laws, and personal injury laws. The first reason Hammurabi’s Code was not just can be seen by examining Hammurabi’s family laws. Document C, Law 148 stated “If a man has married a wife and a disease has seized her,if he is determined to marry a second wife,he shall marry her. He shall not divorce …show more content…
Document D, law 48 stated “If a man has borrowed money to plant his fields and a storm has flooded his field or carried away the crop, … in that year he does not have to pay his creditor” (Document D). This law was not just because the creditor does not get his money back, because the farmer “borrowed” money to plant his crops , but can not return the favor. Law 21 explained that if a man broke through a wall,to rob, a house, and he gets caught, he will face a punishment of getting pierced through the chest, and or hang in the hole of the wall which he had done (Document D). Committing a crime and or robbery is wrong and should have a consequence, but the punishment they gave was unjust.Both property laws were unjust because the consequences do not fit the …show more content…
Document E, Law 218 stated, “If a surgeon has operated with a bronze lancet on a free man for a serious injury, and has caused his death, … his hands shall be cut off”(Document E). This law was not just because the surgeon gets his hands cut off even though the man’s wound was severe.The surgeon did cause the death, but his punishment was too cruel. Law 196 explained that if a man has knocked out the eye of another free man, his shall also be knocked out (Document E). Knocking another man’s eye out is wrong, and should have a punishment,but should have a greater penalty. Both personal injury laws were unjust because the disciplinary action does not fit the crime. Hammurabi’s purpose in creating and enforcing family laws, property laws,and personal laws was to establish peace and justice in Babylon, but his laws were unjust. By studying Hammurabi’s Code, historians have been able to understand Babylonian society and Hammurabi’s code of vision of justice (Background Essay). Although some people may believe Hammurabi’s Code was fair, Hammurabi’s laws were extremely harsh and violent. Even though laws are necessary, Hammurabi’s cruel and brutal family laws, property laws, and personal injury laws were not

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