PPT - Hammurabis Code of Law PowerPoint Presentation, free ... - Free Printable

It looks like you've uploaded a worksheet titled "Hammurabi’s Code Activity", but the actual situations (Situation 1 through Situation 6) are missing from the image. Without those specific scenarios, I can't fill in the table directly.

However, I can help you complete this activity by providing guidance and examples based on common situations used in Hammurabi's Code lessons. Here's how to approach it:

---

🔍 What is Hammurabi’s Code?

Hammurabi’s Code is one of the oldest known sets of written laws, created around 1750 BCE by King Hammurabi of Babylon. It contains 282 laws and follows the principle of "an eye for an eye" (lex talionis)—meaning punishments should match the crime.

The code also reflects social hierarchy: punishments were often harsher for lower-class individuals or slaves than for nobles.

---

✔ How to Complete This Worksheet

For each situation, you’ll need to:
1. Write what you think a fair law would be (modern, just, balanced).
2. Look up what Hammurabi’s Code said about similar situations.
3. React to how fair or unfair you think Hammurabi’s law was.

---

📝 Example Situations & Answers

Let’s assume these are typical situations used in such activities:

#### Situation 1: A doctor performs surgery and the patient dies.
- I think a fair law would be...
The doctor should be held accountable if negligence is proven, but not punished if they acted with care and the outcome was unavoidable. Medical malpractice laws today use evidence and review boards.

- Hammurabi’s Code said...
“If a physician makes a large incision with the operating knife and kills him, or opens a tumor with the operating knife and cuts out the eye, he shall be cut off at the hand.” (Law 218)

- My reaction to Hammurabi’s Code is...
This seems extremely harsh. There's no room for error or medical uncertainty. It doesn’t consider intent or skill level. I find it unfair compared to modern standards.

---

#### Situation 2: A builder constructs a house that collapses and kills the owner.
- I think a fair law would be...
The builder should be punished only if they were negligent or used poor materials. If they followed best practices, they shouldn’t be held responsible.

- Hammurabi’s Code said...
“If a builder build a house for someone, and it falls in and kills its owner, then that builder shall be put to death.” (Law 230)

- My reaction to Hammurabi’s Code is...
This is very strict and doesn’t allow for mistakes. It assumes full responsibility without considering external factors like natural disasters or material defects. It feels overly punitive.

---

#### Situation 3: A person steals a sheep from another person.
- I think a fair law would be...
The thief should return the sheep or pay compensation, and possibly face community service or fines depending on intent.

- Hammurabi’s Code said...
“If a man steal oxen or sheep, or if he steal an ass, a goat, or a pig, or if he steal a boat — whether it be the boat of the river or of the canal — he shall repay tenfold.” (Law 6)

- My reaction to Hammurabi’s Code is...
Tenfold restitution is harsh but may deter theft. Still, it could be unjust if the thief is poor and can’t pay. Modern systems often focus on rehabilitation.

---

#### Situation 4: A son strikes his father.
- I think a fair law would be...
The son should be disciplined appropriately, perhaps through counseling or community service, depending on intent.

- Hammurabi’s Code said...
“If a son strike his father, his hands shall be hewn off.” (Law 195)

- My reaction to Hammurabi’s Code is...
This is extremely brutal and disproportionate. We now understand family dynamics better and emphasize education over physical punishment.

---

#### Situation 5: A man accuses his wife of adultery, but she is innocent.
- I think a fair law would be...
Accusations must be backed by evidence. False accusations should have consequences, and the accused should be protected.

- Hammurabi’s Code said...
“If a woman be accused of witchcraft, and her husband has brought her before the judges, and the judges have found her guilty, she shall be thrown into the river.” (Law 129)

- My reaction to Hammurabi’s Code is...
This is dangerous and unfair. No due process or proof is required. It reflects fear and superstition rather than justice.

---

#### Situation 6: A man breaks a neighbor’s wall during construction.
- I think a fair law would be...
The man should repair the damage or compensate the neighbor fairly.

- Hammurabi’s Code said...
“If a man break the wall of a house, he shall restore it at his own expense.” (Law 229)

- My reaction to Hammurabi’s Code is...
This is reasonable and fair. It holds people accountable for damages without excessive punishment.

---

✔ Final Tips:

- Use primary sources or reliable history websites to check Hammurabi’s actual laws.
- Compare ancient laws to modern legal principles: fairness, due process, proportionality.
- Be honest in your reactions — it's okay to say something is cruel or outdated.

---

Would you like me to:
- Provide the full filled-in table with these example situations?
- Help you create your own situations based on real laws from Hammurabi’s Code?
- Or assist with writing more detailed responses?

Just let me know!