Law Code of Hammurabi

Stacey Loftin

Law Code of Hammurabi

        Hammurabi was deemed a noble and just ruler. He issued a Code of Law for justice to prevail and to further the welfare of the people in 1792-1750 B.C.E. Hammurabi states, “the great gods proclaimed him as the guardian shepherd to the people, which he will carry and shelter under his protection”. Yet the Code of Laws appear to be unfair and unjust, as well as harsh and inhumane.  It seems as though Hammurabi’s Code of Laws and punishments varied based on social class and gender which can be compared to today’s society.

        A minor crime could result in death, while a major crime brings about a mere fine depending of course who you were and whom you offended. We discussed in lecture the phrase “An Eye for an Eye” and the law Hammurabi created which states “If a man destroy the eye of another man, they shall destroy his eye”. Yet if it is the eye of a slave he pays a small price. I do not agree to that being an eye for an eye. There is also the fact that the Code lists different punishments for men and women. While laws are created for just reasons, it should be intended that they are to be followed by all people. In other words, all people that break the law and are found guilty, are deemed to be convicted with the same punishment regardless of social class or gender.  Therefore in my opinion the laws were not applied effectively nor equally. I was also raised to know and understand that two wrongs do not make a right which in part is why I do not see how justice prevails nor in anyway the laws benefit the welfare of the people. It is very possible that the Code fixed a lot of the issues of their time and helped to keep war from breaking out. I also understand laws are required to maintain order as well as to acquire peace and honor, but I also believe in humanity and equality.

        I realize things were different in those times. Therefore they saw things differently than we do today. Yet in today’s society social class and gender bias are still one of the biggest issues we face. Our present government and laws, while maybe not as harsh and inhumane, are still to this day very much based on social class and gender. People say history repeats itself, while I personally believe that not to be true. It is my opinion that past events continue to occur due to lack of change. We are a direct result of our actions. In conclusion to the Laws, the Epilogue reads, “That the strong might not oppress the weak”. I do not feel Hammurabi fulfilled that statement through the Law Code, but then again maybe that was his true intent. Like most, if not all government officials of today’s society, they portray themselves to be for the people and by the people. When in fact it is all about the power of the position they withhold and control over our great nation. I truly believe that if the course of actions each generation chooses to take in life does not change, nor will our circumstances. Therefore history really does not repeat itself, but has become a mere chain reaction of events. One can’t help but wonder would today’s society possibly be different if the Law Code of Hammurabi had been revised over time. In today’s society, I truly have an immense amount of gratitude in being a United States, American citizen. My hope is that one day sincere honesty, integrity, and change will come forth so that we the people will truly be united as one nation under God.