SOURCES AND CATEGORIES OF LAW

UNIT 1 (Chapter 2)

Focus Questions
Is it possible for something to be legal, yet immoral? Explain

Focus Questions
When personal morality and the law collide on an issue, which should prevail? Why?

Focus Questions
What do societys laws tell us about that society? Explain by giving examples.

The Code of Hammurabi

(Babylonian Code of Law)
Answer all three of the following questions by referring to the Code of Hammurabi (on the next slide). Clearly indicate which laws you are discussing.

Choose the law you agree with most. Explain why. Choose the law you agree with least. Explain why. What do the laws from the Code of Hammurabi reveal about morality and justice in Babylonian society?

Code of Hammurabi
1. If anyone brings an accusation of any crime before the elders and does not prove what he has charged, he shall, if it be a capital offence charged, be put to death. 2. If a judge shall try a case, reach a decision, and present his judgement in writing, and if later, error shall appear in his decision and it be through his own fault, then he shall be publicly removed from the judges bench, and never again shall sit there to render judgement. 3. If anyone is committing robbery and is caught, then he shall be put to death. But if the robber is not caught then shall he who was robbed claim under oath the amount of his loss, then shall the community compensate him for the goods stolen. 4. If anyone opens his ditches to water his crops, but is careless, and the water floods the fields of his neighbour, then he shall pay for the loss. 5. If a man takes his wife and she is seized by disease, and if he then desires to take a second wife, he shall not put away his [first] wife. But he shall keep her in the house and support her as long as she lives.