Table of Contents Meaning of the Code of Hammurabi Meaning of the Code of Hammurabi How the Code of Hammurabi Hammurabi Was Formed Why the Code Was Formed Connection to Later Legal Systems Among the oldest and most comprehensive primordial legitimate codes is that of Hammurabi code which was affirmed by the Babylonian ruler known as King Hammurabi , who reigned between 1792 and 1750 BC (Davies, 23). This code which consists of 282 edicts as well as presented rules which would be applicable during commercial interactions. These rules proposed fines and subsequent sanctions as a means of ensuring that the requirements of this particular form of justice were met (Davies, 25). This code came into force towards the end of Hammurabi's reign and was engraved on massive stone steles. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why violent video games should not be banned"?Get the original essayContents of Hammurabi's CodeThe contents of this stele are a series of texts that were compiled at the end of Hammurabi's reign . Rather, the code is an assortment of norms established between textual rejoicings regarding Hammurabi's pious and righteous rule (Davies, 27). The 282 standards were documented in a manner that current law describes as an “if and then” system. An example of the application of the contents of Hammurabi's code is that of a crime such as the theft of, for example, a bull (Harper, 45). The code requires that the thief, once arrested, must pay up to thirty times the value of the bull. The content of the code covers different areas of social life such as the family, contracts as well as administrative practices. This code provided for various classes of society in the Babylonian era. For example, Babylonian society consisted of a propertied class, freed men as well as enslaved men (Harper, 47). Additionally, under this code, doctors charged ten shekels for the treatment of injuries considered servers if the patient belonged to the category of gentlemen. Freemen had to pay five shekels while slaves had to pay two shekels (Harper, 48). Additionally, where crimes were committed, punishment was also based on class. Meaning of the Code of Hammurabi The connotation The Code of Hammurabi is contemporary and was invented in homage to the Napoleonic Code of the 19th century. Contemporary scholars have been engaged in debates over the meaning of Hammurabi's code (Harper, 50). Furthermore, scholars have divergent views on whether this prehistoric code is a true representation of complete and comprehensive laws. Each edict consists of a case scenario with an applicable verdict. The applicable verdicts are often harsh, with the death penalty being mentioned more than thirty times (Harper, 52). Death is one of many forms of punishment meted out when crimes involve the theft of temples and palaces. This includes cases where slaves are given refuge (Issar, 67). The code states that punishments should not be similar. They depended primarily on the social or economic well-being of the accused. The punishment of crimes was mainly uniform when the individuals in conflict belonged to the same social status (Issar, 69). A common example is one involving a member of the elite blinding an individual belonging to the commoner class. In such a case, the elite individual is required to make a payment worth one pound of silver (Issar, 71). When such an individual harms a member of a higher class, the punishment is much more servile. Unfortunately, the codedoes not provide equivalent treatment for women. Therefore, from the code, it is evident that a great burden rests on both the accused and the accuser when it is not possible to provide substantial evidence (Issar, 72). Meaning of the Code of Hammurabi The importance of the Code of Hammurabi played a role in the lives of the Babylonians and society over the years. This code was important in ancient times and still is and relevant today. This code was important within the Mesopotamian community because it outlined the original set of rules that helped govern human conduct (Roth, 15). This code being composed of 282 edicts, engraved on stone constituting a series of twelve tablets, in Akkadian dialect, it became the code of choice. Therefore, current historians use this code to generate information relating to the society, economy, religion as well as the historical context of that particular period (Roth, 16). The content of the code provides a vivid description of the individual sections relating to crimes and incidents as well as the appropriate procedures and sanctions. Code is also important these days. The code provides an overview of the structure of the legal system in Mesopotamia which includes aspects such as divisions leading to the establishment of class, political and economic structures which informed the contemporary legal structure in most countries (Roth, 18 ). The current legal structure of most communities would not have been achieved without the prior existence of the Code of Hammurabi. This code established civilization and order in society. How Hammurabi's Code Was Formed Researchers indicate that the formation of this code had a divine origin. This belief was reinforced by the presence of bas-reliefs which show the code transmitted to the king by the sun god known as Shamash (Sassoon, 33). This belief exists since Shamash is often associated with justice. Hammurabi's code consisted of columns arranged horizontally, forming what is commonly called cuneiform text or writing. This form of writing consists of writings arranged on one side, 16 in number, while the back was composed of 28 columns (Sassoon, 36). The writings that make up this code begin with an explanation of the restoration efforts intended to reconquer the temples as well as the cults within Babylonian society (Sassoon, 37). The code, consisting of approximately 28 sections, was established from amendments to laws in force during the Babylonian era, and was not established as strict legal rules as most historians believe (Breazeale & Sholl , 12). As such, it has been formulated in such a way as to provide guidance on the procedures to be followed when handling disputes. Why was the code created? Based on research, the code came into existence not as a version of current constitutions or Napoleonic laws. Therefore, the most likely goal was to help Babylonian society find relief in that when a given individual suffered some form of injustice, that individual would be granted justice and their wrongs would be appropriately redressed. (Breazeale & Sholl, 13). Furthermore, the Code of Hammurabi was established as a form of reference for impending rulers and such a code would be used to give guidance when making decisions relating to the administration of justice. Researchers and historians believe that Hammurabi established these rules as an applicable tactic to ensure control of information. as well as the history that flowed from its jurisdiction (Breazeale & Sholl, 14). This belief comes from the fact that King Hammurabi was constantly grappling with many small disputes. Therefore,, 19).