Mesopotamian law

Mesopotamian law, notably exemplified by the Code of Hammurabi (circa 1754 BCE), was one of the earliest written legal systems. It consisted of a series of carved laws that addressed issues like theft, marriage, and property, establishing clear consequences for various actions. These laws aimed to maintain social order and justice, often applying the principle of “an eye for an eye.” They also reflected the social hierarchy, with different punishments for commoners and elites. This legal code provided a structured framework for governance and influenced future legal systems in the region.