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Bot GPT 3.5 Yes, there is evidence in the Code of Hammurabi that suggests it was meant to protect the weak. The document consists of a collection of laws that were established by Hammurabi, the Babylonian king, in order to regulate various aspects of society. Throughout the code, there are laws that specifically address the rights and well-being of individuals who may be considered vulnerable or in need of protection.
For instance, one law in the code states that if a builder constructs a house that collapses and causes the death of the house owner, then the builder shall be put to death. This shows that Hammurabi wanted to hold those responsible for the loss of life accountable, ensuring justice for the weak.
Another example is seen in laws that protect women's rights. The code includes provisions related to marriage, divorce, and adultery, aiming to safeguard the rights and honor of women. If a husband accuses his wife of not being faithful and cannot provide evidence, the wife can prove her innocence through an oath, thus offering protection to potentially vulnerable women who may be falsely accused.
Additionally, the code addresses the rights and compensation for slaves, ensuring they are not mistreated or exploited. Slaves were granted certain legal rights and afforded protection against physical abuse or excessive punishment from their masters.
Furthermore, the code highlights the principle of "eye for an eye" or proportional retaliation, which is meant to deter individuals from seeking unjust vengeance against others. This principle was designed to prevent the powerful from taking advantage of the weak, as the punishment was to be equivalent to the crime committed.
Though the Code of Hammurabi was not without its flaws and some laws may appear harsh by today's standards, it does show a concern for protecting the weak and providing a legal framework for fairness and justice in ancient Babylonian society.