The Code of Hammurabi
Thesis: The Code of Hammurabi has helped to communicate with the civilians of Mesopotamia in order to ensure that the strict guidelines are being followed.
What the ancient Mesopotamian homes looked like.
Ancient Mesopotamian houses were either built of mud-brick or of reeds, depending on where they were located. People lived in reed houses near the rivers and in wetland areas. In drier areas, people built homes of sun-dried mud bricks. Mudbrick homes had one or two rooms with flat roofs. 
Background Information
The code of Hammurabi was an early set of laws that were created in 1754 B.C. This set of laws were created by a man named Hammurabi, ruler of Babylonia, located in Mesopotamia. He reigned from 1792 B.C. to 1750 B.C. During the time of Hammurabi's ruling, he united and controlled all of southern Mesopotamia. The code of Hammurabi's 282 laws played a big role in society, as it would determine or influence people's actions. The laws would be a great form of communication between Hammurabi and Mesoptomian civilians.
Life For Civilians/ Hammurabi's Thoughts
In Hammurabi's society, social structure played a big role. It divided people into different groups and allowed people to have an advantage over others. This social structure was divided into three sections, the upper class, free man class, and slave. If you were a part of Hammurabi's civilization, you would be listed under one of the three categories. Based on the system Hammurabi created, he thought that everyone should deserve a certain amount of rights based on the position in society they were in. If you were a slave you had little to no rights making yourself live a very limited lifestyle. Also, the people high in the social system, specifically men, would earn lots of rights as they played a big role in society and made lots of decisions that would affect other people's experience in Hammurabi's society.
How The Code of Hammurabi Affected the Daily life of Civilians?
The code of Hammurabi affected people's lives daily because it created a guideline that would be followed by everyone living in Hammurabi's society. This code would ensure everyone would be following their duties based on the placement of social class they are in. These laws influenced the actions civilians would be doing. This could prevent them from taking part in illegal actions.
Certain laws were unfair. For example, hands could be taken off if the person struck someone else. Other situations include how some people may have power over clothes. For example, a woman would be executed if she is caught cheating. This shows men have more power over women. Human rights violations were also an issue. This is because the consequences were insane for even a small deed. It was made to enforce strict rules in society.
Law Analysis #1
According to the Code of Hammurabi, law 282 states ``If a slave says to his master: "You are not my master," if they convict him his master shall cut off his ear. " This would be a form of communication since King Hammurabi would be revealing the consequences of a statement to the civilians. To explain, this law would make sure the slave would listen and obey the person that is controlling him. Overall, Hammurabi's social system and laws heavily influenced people's actions in Hammurabi's society during the time.
Law Analysis #2
“Law 209: If a man strikes the daughter of a free man and causes her to lose her baby, he shall pay 10 shekels of silver.” This shows the effect on people by showing that men had more power over women. There was a form of patriarchy. In addition, being wealthy meant that getting away with a crime would be by paying a way out. The example shows the negative effects of power because men had more voice in society than any other civilian. In addition, having fortune meant that viewpoints would be heard first. Women, children, and even the poor part of society had their opinions heard last. Any other person could have had a great idea about the development of civilization. However, the ideas would not be heard. This would be a negative impact on society because there would be limitations of how the civilization was represented. This law would be a form of communication because it would be a representation of Hammurabi's thoughts on this type of crime/deed. He would be warning civilians what the outcome would be.
The Code of Hammurabi written out on stone tablets.
Code Correlation to Society Today/ Importance of the Code
This enduring issue of power has continued over time because Hammurabi’s code has established a system of laws to follow in society. Even though in the present-day laws can be much more civilized and fair towards the person committing a crime, in some parts of the world, the government still applies very harsh rules to a felon. Furthermore, many people may still feel oppression in society today. For example, in some countries, women may still be under the control of men. This patriarchy has been a problem since the Mesopotamian era. Even though the code has been harsh on society it has certainly set up guidelines for society to follow. Hammurabi's Code has influenced the layout of how trials are conducted. It lists out the requirement for witnesses and impartial judges, as well. Hammurabi's code has influenced today's laws to offer protection of property and different punishments for different crimes based on the situation. Overall, this code is the first law code that included laws to deal with everyone in the current society. The code has been a great way to communicate requirements for civilians. It has been changed and developed over time to not only fit westernized culture but has influenced the foundation of the justice system.
A gavel represents law and the justice system. It is a symbol of authority.
Communication and The Code of Hammurabi
The Code of Hammurabi was very innovative, for it was very simple to comprehend the standards set for civilians. Hammurabi avoided complex systems language that often made it convenient for kings to punish civilians. Furthermore, this code has allowed civilians today to communicate with the law, with ease. This is shown when a trial is conducted or when any sort of issue is touched upon. By following the laws, that once again the code has made possible, it is not complicated to execute any consequences or fix any type of disturbance.