Historical DocumentsTHANKS, HAMMURABI

Bell Ringer:WWHD? (What Would Hammurabi

Do?)

For each of the following scenarios, write down the most just punishment

for the crime.

1. What should be done to the carpenter who builds a house that falls and kills the owner?

Code 2:If a builder builds a house for a man and

does not make its construction sound, and the house which he has built collapses and

causes the death of the owner of the house, the builder shall be put to death.

2. What should be done about a wife who ignores her duties and belittles her husband?

Code 143:If the woman has not been careful but has gadded about, neglecting her house and

belittling her husband, they shall throw that woman into the water.

3. What happens if a farmer's irrigations system causes his neighbor to lose his crop?

Code 47:He will pay his neighbor the amount

of corn that was lost.

4. What should be done if a son is adopted and then the birth-parents want him back?

Code 185:If a man takes in his own home a young boy as a son and rears him, one may not bring

claim for that adopted son.

5. What happens if a man is unable to pay his debts?

Code 117:If a man be in debt and is unable to pay his

creditors, he shall sell his wife, son, or daughter, or bind them over to service. For three years

they shall work in the houses of their purchaser or master; in the fourth year they shall be given

their freedom.

6. What should happen to a boy who slaps his father?

Code 195:If a son strikes his father, they shall cut off

his hand.

7. What happens if a man accuses someone of murder and it is not proved?

Code 118:The accuser will be put to death.

8. How is the truth determined when one man brings an accusation against another?

Code 3:If any one bring an accusation against a man, and the

accused go to the river and leap into the river, if he sink in the river his accuser shall take possession of his house. But if the river prove that the accused is not

guilty, and he escape unhurt, then he who had brought the accusation shall be put to death, while he who

leaped into the river shall take possession of the house that had belonged to his accuser.

Code of HammurabiDate 1780 BCE

Origin City of Babylon in Mesopotamia

Significanc

e

• As Hams’ empire grew, a uniform legal code was needed

• One of the oldest examples of established written laws

• 282 laws inscribed on stone pillar• Model for “rule of law”—the idea that

no one is above the law

Magna CartaDate 1215

Origin England

Significanc

e

• First attempt to limit the king’s power• Key Ideas: due process, freedom of

movement, taxation only with legislative consent

• King John agreed to limits on power• Document did NOT protect the

common people

English Bill of Rights

Date 1689

Origin England (Glorious Revolution!)

Significanc

e

• Product of the Glorious Revolution that brought William and Mary to the throne

• Established a true limited government

• Increased protection from the king

Mayflower Compact

Date 1620

Origin Mayflower

Significanc

e

• Needed a temporary government between the passengers on board the Mayflower

• Written agreement• Established self-government to serve

their interests

Virginia Declaration of Rights

Date June 1776

Origin Virginia

Significanc

e

• Opening paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence!

• Key Ideas • Men are “free and equal”• Natural rights• Right to abolish “inadequate”

government

Declaration of IndependenceDate July 4, 1776

Origin 13 Colonies – Continental Congress

Significanc

e

• Established Popular Sovereignty• Government rule by the people

• Right to revolt against a government that no longer guaranteed natural rights

• Ideals of life, liberty and equality

Articles of ConfederationDate November 15, 1777

Origin 13 Colonies…soon to change

Significanc

e

• Each state held sovereignty, freedom and independence• “Firm league of friendship"

• Creates need for stronger central government