The Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes, is primarily concerned with a variety of civil and criminal matters. It contains laws that address the following general topics:
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Property Rights: The code outlines laws regarding the ownership and transfer of property, land disputes, and issues related to real estate.
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Family Law: It addresses issues such as marriage, divorce, inheritance, and the rights and responsibilities of family members.
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Trade and Commerce: The code includes regulations concerning business dealings, contracts, loans, and trade practices, aiming to promote fairness and accountability in commerce.
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Labor and Employment: It governs relations between employers and workers, including wages, labor conditions, and responsibilities.
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Crime and Punishment: The code lays out various offenses and their corresponding penalties, reflecting a principle of retributive justice, often encapsulated in the idea of "an eye for an eye."
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Social Hierarchy: The laws reflect the stratification of Babylonian society, with different penalties for different social classes, including nobles, commoners, and slaves.
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Court Procedures: The code outlines procedures for legal disputes, including how cases should be presented and judged.
Overall, the Code of Hammurabi serves as a historical document that not only provides insight into the legal practices of ancient Mesopotamia but also reflects the values and social structures of the time.