After students learn about Hammurabi’s Code, they can develop their own code of laws! Teachers can give examples about what their code would be, allow students to brainstorm, and then write up their code on the template using images from the creator to enhance their poster.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Write your own code of laws!
Student Instructions:
To begin, give a succinct synopsis of Ancient Mesopotamia while highlighting the importance of Hammurabi's Code. Talk about the era, Mesopotamia's location, and the main achievements of Babylonian culture. This will also reinforce all the concepts related to the Ancient Mesopotamian civilization.
Describe how the Hammurabi Code is among the oldest and most comprehensive written law systems ever discovered. Stress how it governs Babylon's social and economic life and advances justice. Teachers can show students all the 282 codes present and as an activity ask them to interpret the meaning of the code and their own opinion on the law.
Ask the students to research why the king came up with these codes and laws and how he came up with these laws. Students can also analyze how these laws shaped and impacted society at that time. For instance, when laws against criminal activities were introduced, did the criminal activities decrease or was there any change in the daily functioning of the society after these laws?
After students are more familiar with Hammurabi’s code, ask them to compare this code of law with modern laws and codes. Students can select specific topics and laws they want to compare. For instance, some students can compare laws for theft or crimes, others can look for laws regarding house and property. In this way, students will be able to find out more details and conduct an interesting discussion.
Conduct a reflection session to wrap up the discussion. Students should be asked to list their main conclusions, talk about any shifts in their viewpoints, and reflect on the long-term effects of Hammurabi's Code on legal systems.
Important characteristics include the application of the "eye for an eye" concept (lex talionis), the grading of penalties according to social status, and laws pertaining to property rights, trade, and marriage. Students can also use this basic idea as a foundation to build their own code.
Students should be prompted to consider the ideas of justice, equity, and social order found in Hammurabi's Code. They might think through the possible ramifications of their regulations and utilize these insights to create their own guidelines. Students can create various sets of rules while keeping these ideas in mind for instance, “Workplace Rules” or “Classroom Rules”.