Hammurabi's Code Of Law: Fair or Not?

Hammurabi was one of the Ancient World's most successful leaders. During his reign, Babylonia prospered and flourished in almost all the arts. It was a marvelous part in history. How did he organize this? The way that all countries do so: with laws. Not any laws however. Specific laws. Laws that some might consider harsh or unfair. These laws introduced and used the age old saying: "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." He also specified the laws to almost everything. It was integrated into life. And the reason they were harsh? It was to keep control and stop people from doing something daft. It was motivational. Here is an example: "If a son strikes his father, his hand may be cut off" Doesn't make you want to slap your dad does it? And they weren't kidding with the "cut your hand off" business. They were serious. As harsh as this was, it worked. The motivation was an excellent. These days, its not as harsh. There was a case of fairness where it wasn't that good, but it's the thought that counts. Besides, as harsh and unfair as it was, it certainly decreased the crime level of Babylonia, and there was some peace in the world.

A Mesopotamian's Life

Today I woke up with the noise of my dog breathing heavily in my face.
"Have you been eating those sheep again, Tarulu?"
"Ruff!"
"I told you, those are the neighbors sheep. Next time you do that,  disown you!"
Tarulu whined. I pet him on the head and said:
"Come on, let's go hunting"
I had recently gone for hunting instead of farming, with all the surpluses recently. Despite how we had plenty of bread, I still needed meat. I also wanted to show my skills to the cook's daughter, in hopes that she'd marry me. I also decided to be a bit sneaky. I made a deal of my next kill and a wolf's tooth for a crocodile tooth with my friend. I did this because I know that Tia (the cook's daughter) loves crocodile teeth and wolves teeth are things of the past. People have been trying to get crocodile teeth for some time now, and only my friend has one. Best thing is: no one knows he has it, so we are both happy. Our agreement is set in clay with some symbols imprinted on it. Anyway, to hunting!

(After The Hunt)

I went to my friends house and got the tooth. We got the clay and broke it open, declaring the deal was done. I thanked him and he thanked me. I then went back home and made something special. Yes, it took the entire rest of the day but it was worth it.

(The Next Day)

I got Tia's gift and headed on over to the Cook's house. When I asked the cook if I could marry his daughter, he first asked me if I was worthy. I showed him the gift I was going to Tia and showed him my log of what I've caught in the past, and he seemed pleased. He allowed it. I thanked him and went to Tia's house, which was located near the market. When I greeted her, I showed her my gift to her and asked her if she would marry me. She said YES! I kissed her and hugged her and I was ecstatic. IT certainly was going to be different in this life!