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The Oldest Code of Laws in the World / The code of laws promulgated by Hammurabi, King of Babylon, B.C. 2285-2242 cover

The Oldest Code of Laws in the World / The code of laws promulgated by Hammurabi, King of Babylon, B.C. 2285-2242

By King of Babylonia Hammurabi
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History - AncientLaw & Criminology

About This Book

A royal law collection begins with a prologue invoking divine authority and sets out numbered, casuistic judgments covering criminal, civil, commercial, family, and property matters; penalties often vary by social status and range from fines to corporal sanctions. The text is framed as a public inscription that promises blessing for observance and curses for violators, and it organizes earlier decisions into practical rules for dispute resolution, liability, contracts, and administrative governance.

About the Author

Hammurabi, King of Babylonia portrait

King of Babylonia Hammurabi

Hammurabi was the sixth king of the First Babylonian Dynasty, reigning from approximately 1792 to 1750 BCE. He is best known for the Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes in history. This set of laws established standards for commercial interactions and set fines and punishments to meet the requirements of justice. The code reflects the values and social structure of ancient Babylonian society, emphasizing the principles of retribution and fairness. Hammurabi's contributions have had a lasting impact on legal systems throughout history, making him a significant figure in the development of law and governance.

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