Many legal codes have been established to govern societies and ensure justice for all members. One such code is the Code of Hammurabi, created by the Babylonian King Hammurabi around 1754 BC. This code is one of the oldest recorded sets of laws and has been the subject of much debate regarding its fairness and justice. Some argue that the Code of Hammurabi was right, while others argue that it was not. This essay will explore both perspectives and ultimately argue that the Code of Hammurabi was not entirely due to its harsh punishments and unequal treatment of different social classes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay One of the main arguments in favor of the rightness of the Code of Hammurabi is that it provided a clear and consistent set of laws that applied to all members of Babylonian society. This uniformity in the legal system was a significant achievement for the time and provided a sense of order and predictability to the people. Furthermore, the code was based on the principle of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth,” which was seen as a just and fair form of justice in ancient Mesopotamia. This principle aimed to ensure that punishments were proportionate to the crimes committed, thus promoting a sense of fairness and balance in the legal system. Furthermore, supporters of the Code of Hammurabi argue that it played a crucial role in maintaining social order and stability in Babylonian society. The code addressed various aspects of daily life, including trade, property rights, family matters, and criminal behavior, thus establishing a comprehensive set of laws that governed all aspects of society. This broad scope of regulation was intended to prevent chaos and ensure that everyone played by the same rules, thus contributing to the overall well-being of the community. However, despite these arguments for its rightness, the Code of Hammurabi was not entirely just and fair. One of the main criticisms of the code concerns the harsh and often brutal punishments for certain crimes. For example, the code stipulated that a false accusation against a man could result in the death of the accuser, regardless of the severity of the accusation. Likewise, theft was punishable by amputation, and adultery could result in the death of both parties involved. These punishments were seen as overly severe and disproportionate to the crimes committed, raising questions about the fairness and humanity of the code. Furthermore, the Code of Hammurabi showed a clear prejudice towards different social classes. Punishments for the same crime varied depending on the social status of the individual involved, with more severe penalties imposed on lower-class citizens. For example, if a man of higher social standing caused the death of another man's slave, he was only required to compensate the slave owner with a new slave. Conversely, if a lower class man caused the death of a slave, he could be put to death as punishment. This unequal treatment between different social classes undermined the code's claim to justice and fairness, as it favored the privileged and disadvantaged the marginalized members of society. Furthermore, the Code of Hammurabi did not provide equal protection under the law for all members of society. Women, in particular, were subject to discriminatory treatment under the code, as they had limited legal rights and were often treated as property. For example, a woman accused of adultery could be subjected to trial by ordeal, a cruel and unjust practice that.