Question

3.3 critical thinking question:
after watching the video below and learning about hammurabi’s code, it’s your turn to think like an ancient lawmaker!
hammurabis code
create three new laws that you think hammurabi might have added to his code. for each law:

1. write the law clearly (what modern day behavior is being punished) do not
2. choose a punishment that fits the law.
3. explain whether you think hammurabi would agree with your punishment and why or why not

video link
you get to choose how you want to respond to critical thinking questions! pick the format that works best for you
option 1: video response
(3–5 minutes)
option 2: written response
(100–200words)

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze Hammurabi’s Code principles (retributive justice, class - based, clear cause - effect).

1. Law 1: Theft of Livestock

• Law: If a person steals another’s sheep, the thief shall return three sheep to the owner and be lashed 20 times.
• Punishment Reason: Hammurabi’s Code used restitution (returning more than stolen) and physical punishment. Stealing livestock was vital in ancient Mesopotamia, so harsh punishment fits.
• Hammurabi’s Agreement: He would agree. His code had strict theft punishments (e.g., stealing from temple/royalty had death), so this follows the “eye for eye” - style retribution with restitution.

1. Law 2: False Accusation

• Law: If a person falsely accuses another of a crime they did not commit, the accuser shall be punished as if they committed the accused crime.
• Punishment Reason: Hammurabi’s Code had laws against false testimony (e.g., false accusation of sorcery had death). This mirrors that, ensuring justice for false claims.
• Hammurabi’s Agreement: He would agree. His code valued truth in legal matters, and this enforces accountability, similar to existing laws against false accusations.

1. Law 3: Neglect of Irrigation

• Law: If a farmer neglects their irrigation canal, causing flood damage to a neighbor’s field, the farmer shall repair the canal and give the neighbor 1/3 of their next harvest.
• Punishment Reason: Agriculture relied on irrigation. Neglecting canals harmed others, so restitution (harvest share) and repair fit. Hammurabi’s Code had property - damage laws (e.g., building collapse), so this follows the pattern of making the negligent party pay.
• Hammurabi’s Agreement: He would agree. His code addressed property and agricultural issues, and this balances punishment (harvest loss) with restitution, like his laws on property damage.

Answer:

Law 1: Theft of Livestock

• Law: If a person steals another’s sheep, the thief shall return three sheep to the owner and be lashed 20 times.
• Punishment Rationale: Hammurabi’s Code emphasized restitution (returning more than stolen) and physical discipline for theft. Livestock was essential in Mesopotamia, so harsh punishment aligns with his “eye - for - eye” style.
• Hammurabi’s Agreement: Yes. His code had strict theft penalties (e.g., death for stealing from temples), so this follows retributive/restitutionary patterns.

Law 2: False Accusation

• Law: If a person falsely accuses another of a crime, the accuser shall be punished as if they committed the accused crime.
• Punishment Rationale: Hammurabi’s Code had laws against false testimony (e.g., death for false sorcery accusations). This mirrors that, ensuring justice for false claims.
• Hammurabi’s Agreement: Yes. His code valued legal truth, and this enforces accountability, similar to existing false - accusation laws.

Law 3: Neglect of Irrigation

• Law: If a farmer neglects their irrigation canal, causing flood damage to a neighbor’s field, the farmer shall repair the canal and give the neighbor 1/3 of their next harvest.
• Punishment Rationale: Agriculture relied on irrigation. Neglect harmed others, so restitution (harvest share) and repair fit. Hammurabi’s Code addressed property damage (e.g., building collapse), so this follows that pattern.
• Hammurabi’s Agreement: Yes. His code addressed agricultural/property issues, and this balances punishment with restitution, like his property - damage laws.