Describe the intent of written law codes, such as Hammurabi's Code.

• to create more fairness and equality in the legal system
• to ensure religion was at the center of society
• to give the rich and powerful more rights than the poor
• to ensure everyone in society had a job

1 answer

The primary intent of written law codes, such as Hammurabi's Code, was to create more fairness and equality in the legal system. These codes aimed to establish a set of standardized laws and procedures that everyone in the society was expected to follow, providing a framework for justice and resolution of disputes.

While Hammurabi's Code did reflect the social hierarchies of the time, it also sought to regulate behavior and set clear consequences for actions, thereby promoting order and stability within the society. The emphasis on written laws helped create a sense of accountability and predictability in legal matters, which were crucial for the functioning of early civilizations.

It should be noted that while these codes aspired to fairness, the reality often reflected existing social inequalities, as the laws sometimes favored the elite or wealthy classes over the common people. However, their foundational purpose was largely aimed at establishing a more organized and equitable legal system.