Premium Essay

Hammurabi Punishment

Submitted By
Words 709
Pages 3
One of the most debated topics in the United States has been the death penalty which is the controversy heinous act of crime. There are many reasons why people would be for the death penalty, but on the same token there are people to oppose it and with good reason. It is just a matter of deciding what you believe is right and what factors are behind those reasons. The Code of Hammurabi codified the death penalty in the 18th century (Reggio). When the death penalty came about, all executions were done through hanging. The very first legal execution occurred in 1622 in Virginia to a man by the name of Daniel Frank, for larceny. Although that is reported to have been the first legal execution, there was one that occurred …show more content…
They include lethal injection, electrocution, gas chamber, firing squad, and hanging. The most commonly used is the lethal injection and thirty-two states approve of it. The way the lethal injection works is that drugs are inserted throughout the body. The offender is usually given three different medications, one to put the offender to sleep, the other to paralyze the entire body, and the last one to stop the heart from functioning. When it comes to electrocution, the offender is usually shaved and then they are strapped to a chair that contains belts to place throughout the body. A metal electrode is then attached to the forehead and scalp. The process usually lasts somewhere around 30 seconds. New York approved the building of the nation’s first electric chair in 1888(Reggio). The first victim to try it was a man by the name of William Kemmler two years after the innovation. Although it is uncommon today, hanging is still used today in three states. The very last hanging that took place in the United States was on January 25, 1996 in Delaware. When using the hanging method, it is important to know that the rope size can impact the execution. For instance, if the rope used is too long, it can cause decapitation, and if the rope is too short, it can provoke the strangulation to take …show more content…
I feel as if the state that the offender is in and/or the government, have no right to take the life of someone away. As Desmond Tutu stated, “To take a life when a life has been lost is revenge, not justice.” I agree with him simply because I believe that no one has the right to take someone’s life away other than the Lord. Another reason why I am against it is because all it does is cost a great amount of money and why pay when you can leave them in prison for the rest of their life. This is another reason why it might cause the state more money due to lawsuits of negligence. A great reason as to why I am unsure of the death penalty is because there have been cases as to why they are not sure if the offender is truly guilty or not. A great case example would be the execution of Cameron Todd Willingham. He was accused of killing his three daughters by starting a fire. He was executed on February 17, 2004. Thirteen years later, it was declared that his conviction was based off of erroneous forensic

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Stele Compare & Contrast

...The Stele of Naram-Sin is a massive piece of limestone that has been carved in relief style to commemorate a victory between two warring civilizations. This stone slab is taller than most people standing at 6’6”. The battle scene engraved on this stone slab is between Naram-Sin, ruler of the Akkadian people, and the Lullubi. At the top of the stele there are three suns that shine brightly onto mountain in which Naram-Sin is marching his army up in a diagonal path. In the sky just below the suns and on the mountain there are cuneiform script printed that describes the victory. The cuneiform that is on inscribed on the mountain is just on the right side; the left side of the mountain is bare. The cuneiform inscribed confirms that this stele depicts a battle that was won at Zagaros Mountain. At the base of the main peak of the mountain there is an injured Lullubi with a spear in his neck. The Lullubi people are scattered throughout the stele in a very disorganized fashion predominantly on the right side of the stele. Their weapons are depicted as inferior to that of the Akkadian people’s, some are broken and some are smaller. Naram-Sin is depicted much larger than anyone else in the stele. The use of hieratic scale here amplifies artist’s decision to place Naram-Sin in the center of the composition. Naram-Sin is holding a sword, a bow and a spear as he tramples over his fallen foes. He is shown to possess well defined muscular features in addition to a horned helmet. The army...

Words: 1507 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Code of Hammurabi

...Preface: Hammurabi was a Babylonian king who ruled from 1792 to 1750 B.C. His attributes were he extended his empire northward from the Persian Gulf to the Tigris and Euphrates River and west to the Mediterranean Sea. He united the area into one extensive empire, Mesopotamia, which in present day is known as Iraq. (Ancient Mesopotamia) Hammurabi created a list of rules and laws for the people of his empire to follow called “The Code of Hammurabi”. This is one of the oldest and most detailed documents in existence and gives insight as to how the members of Babylonian society lived. The code listed 282 rules for society to obey by and the consequences or guidelines for each member given their social status and their gender. There were rules of every category. From marriage and adultery, criminal acts such a stealing, property, and monetary trading. What’s interesting about this rulebook is the detail and coverage of the book. While in today’s world we may not follow rules such as “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth” like the Code of Hammurabi, whose punishments for a crime were much more extravagant and gruesome at times. There was segregation in gender and social status. The topics addressed in the code are some of the same topics addressed that we, today, value and instill. In today’s government we have laws of crime and punishment, monetary laws, and laws regarding marriage. We have these laws so we can have structure and a successful government and society. It’s...

Words: 2731 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Hammurabi's Code: The Right To Rule The Kingdom Of Babylon

...Introduction Paragraph Have you ever heard of Hammurabi’s code ? Hammurabi was a king in Mesopotamia nearly 4,000 years ago . He ruled the kingdom of Babylonia for 42 years .Hammurabi’s codes were laws that needed to be followed in his kingdom . The purpose Hammurabi’s code was to protect his people . Hammurabi’s code was just for 3 reasons Family law's , Creation of codes , and Property laws . Examples of just laws can first be found in the area of Creation of Codes . The first example is “ Below the two figures down in the prologue in which Hammurabi lists the names of the gods , saying that they have given him the right to rule “.This means that all the gods gave Hammurabi the right to rule . This matters to show it is just because...

Words: 444 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Code of Hammurabi

...Code of Hammurabi Western Civilization and the World I 100 Professor Preface This paper will examine the Code of Hammurabi and how it affected the people of Babylon before, during and after its creation. The nature of the topic is to have a better understanding of how the Code of Hammurabi changed society, hindered women’s rights and independence and left a lasting impression for future generations. Chronology 1810 BC Hammurabi was born to the then-king of Babylon Sin-muballit. 1792 BC Hammurabi, king of Babylon, started his rule. 1787 BC King Hammurabi captured Uruk and Isin. 1784 BC King Hammurabi campaigned against Rapigum and Malgium. 1772 BC Code of Hammurabi was created. 1763 BC With the aid of Mari and Eshnunna King Hammurabi conquered Larsa, putting an end to the long reign of Rim-Sin I. 1755 BC Captured Eshnunna which was the last of his Mesopotamian rivals. 1750 BC King Hammurabi died and passed the reigns of the empire to his son, Samsu-iluna. 1738 BC Under Samsu-iluna’s rule his empire fell to the Sealand Dynasty. 1595 BC Babylonian empire restored to glory of the Hammurabi’s age. 1901 Code of Hammurabi monument is discovered by French archaeologists. 1910 The Code of Hammurabi was translated by Leonard William King. During the rule of King Hammurabi he wrote the Code of Hammurabi. This consisted of many laws that changed the society, hindered women’s rights and independence and left a lasting impression for future generations...

Words: 2447 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Explain What Qualifies Hammurabi

...1. What qualifies Hammurabi to make these rules? Is this qualification legitimate? Why or why not? Hammurabi was the sixth Babylonian King. He used this status of power to enact this code. This qualification was legitimate because he was the king who could create or destroy any rules. 2. What might be the motivation to create laws such as these? Are the punishments for these infractions fair? Why or why not? I think the motivation to create these were to try to carry out the concept of “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.” The punishments for these infractions I think are not fair. There are some punishments such as throwing someone...

Words: 411 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Hammurabi Stone Pillar

...A stone pillar was found with laws inscribed in it, now people are left arguing over its punishments and rewards. 1754 B.C.E. Mesopotamia, the land between the Euphrates and Tigris River in Asia, a leader named Hammurabi had a stone pillar filled with 282 laws for the citizens of Babylonia published to protect the weak, the widowed, and the orphaned. I believe that Hammurabi’s Code helped people. Hammurabi’s Code was just and protected a lot of people. The laws work well for the victims of a crime. The laws are reasonable to the accused. The laws help society grow. The code works out for the victims. In law 23, if someone gets robbed and the robber is not caught then whatever was stolen will be replaced by the person in charge of that area...

Words: 481 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Was Hammurabi's Code Was It Just Or Unjust?

...282 laws that were written by the king of Babylon Hammurabi in 1792 BCE. He said that he was told to write and enforce those laws by the god Shamash. Hammurabi was the only person who could change the laws. There are three areas of law where Hammurabi’s Code can be shown to be unjust. These are family laws property laws, and personal injury laws. Examples of injustice can first be found in the area of family law. First, law number 129 states that if a woman is caught cheating that she and the person whom she cheated with will be tied up and drowned. Second, law number 195 states that id a son hits his father that the consequence to his actions is that he will have his hands cut off. These examples show tat Hammurabi’s Code was unjust because the laws that Hammurabi created for families were too harsh. Hitting your father should not result in your hands being cut off, although it does deserve a punishment the one in place was too strict. Also cheating on you significant other does not need to be punished by death....

Words: 600 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Advancement Of Hammurabi Dbq

...Hammurabi was a Babylonian king who reigned from 1792 to 1750 B.C. Hammurabi is known as the sixth and best known ruler of the first Babylonian dynasty. He ruled central Mesopotamia at first. Although he is mostly famous for his set of written laws, he has also made great advancements. In the 30th year of his reign, Hammurabi began expanded his kingdom up and down the Tigris and Euphrates river valley, taking over the kingdoms of Assyria, Larsa, Eshunna and Mari which eventually took over all Mesopotamia. He made great advancements for the better of his kingdom by combining military and politics with irrigation projects, fortifications, and construction of temples. The size location and military strength of his land to rule made it one of...

Words: 488 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Research Paper On Hammurabi

...Devon L. Humphreys Coach Smith Ancient World History 25 September 2017 Hammurabi’s Code: Was it Just? If two people were in a car accident and one survives, should the other person be hung. Nearly 4,000 years ago a man named Hammurabi. He took control eventually of over 1,000,000. After his victories in Larsa and Mari he had 282 laws carved on a large pillar like stone called a steele . I believe that Hammurabi’s laws were not fair. I will prove so by the following paragraphs by using a couple of Hammurabi’s laws. Hammurabi’s laws were not fair to the ancient Babylonians. “Some students of babylonia have found the laws overly harsh”.Many people have to suffer these cruel consequences. Hammurabi’s laws were by the command of what could not even...

Words: 343 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Hammurabi DBQ

...Hammurabi’s Code is the first set of laws ever to be translated. These set of 282 laws were created by Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylon in 1758 B.C. The laws were made to make order for the citizens under his rule. The laws prove that the Babylonians had a culture, which is a way of life for a group of people. In a culture, there is a government where there would be judges to see if the citizen is guilty or innocent. A society, whether if the families were patriarchal, where men exercised authority or matriarchal, where women exercised authority, and an economy, the Babylonians had a form of currency and a way of trade. Hammurabi's Code is a useful source for an anthropologist studying Babylonian culture because it provides examples of ancient government, society, and economy. First of all in Hammurabi’s Code, there were laws that proved that there was ancient...

Words: 1151 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Why Is The Hammurabi Code Unfair

...The world’s oldest and most structured set of laws, was created to protect all of the people; however, the Hammurabi Code set unfair standards amongst the different classes. Slaves were treated different that freemen, men were treated different than women, and children were treated different than adults. This code was extremely harsh and unfair. One of the unfair standards was between the freemen and slaves. Under the Hammurabi Code slaves were considered property of their masters. The had little to no rights because they weren’t even considered people. An example of this unfair treatment is that if a doctor was doing surgery on a free man and he died during the procedure, then the doctor’s hands would be cut off, but if a doctor was doing surgery on a slave and the slave died, then the only thing the doctor would have to do was replace the slave. Obviously, cutting off the doctor’s hands is extremely harsh, but the differences between the punishments to the doctor is extremely unfair. Another act that was not equal in fairness was if a man, free or slave, injured a freeman then that same injury would be put upon him. But if a man, free or slave, injured a slave then he would just have to pay half of what the part cost that he injured....

Words: 539 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Code Of Hammurabi Essay

...Code of Hammurabi The code of Hammurabi was written by King Hammurabi, the sixth king of the first babylonian dynasty.Hammurabi ruled the Babylonian Empire from 1792 BC. to 1750 BC. Hammurabi came to power by using his advanced military and political tactics to unite many smaller city states to unite his mighty empire. Not long after his reign began, Hammurabi created the code of hammurabi. Written on large clay tablets, the code of Hammurabi consisted of 262 rules/laws covering a variety of subjects including adultery,family law and property law. Hammurabi created these laws following a philosophy of the punishment must fit the crime. In essence, the magnitude of a crime must fit the magnitude of the punishment. Furthermore, the code of Hammurabi played a detrimental role in the development of the babylonian empire. Many speculations can be made from reading these rather harsh, laws about the babylonian empire. Law’s played an important role in the development of Hammurabi’s empire....

Words: 1204 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Examples Of Hammurabi's Law Code Dbq

...Bodnar Bodnar 1 Mrs. Guler Honors World Civ Document Based Question Hammurabi’s Law Code Document Based Question Walking down the street in Babylonia, it was not an uncommon sight to see dead people hanging in the walls of houses. This was one of the many punishments for crime 1754 BCE in Babylon. The laws were written by the king, Hammurabi, who claimed that the laws were given to him by the gods to help protect the weak. “Hammurabi, the protecting king am I…That the strong might not injure the weak, in order to protect the widows and orphans” (Document B) The laws were written...

Words: 1903 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Why Is Hammurabi Unjust

...Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This quote could be said to be true for many empires throughout history. An example of this would be Hammurabi’s code when he ruled over the Babylonian empire. He was the sixth king of Babylon and ruled from 1792 BC to 1750 BC. What Hammurabi was really known for though was his code, which was one of the first known set of laws created in order to bring justice to the land. But were his laws actually fair? Hammurabi’s code was unjust because lots of the laws involved cruel and unusual punishments. This can be proven in three paragraphs, each describing a different category of Hammurabi’s code. The first category that shows how Hammurabi’s laws were unjust...

Words: 627 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Why Is Hammurabi's Laws Wrong

...Elise Erva Miss Ouellette Social Studies 7 21 October, 2016 Hammurabi’s Unjust Laws I don’t think that Hammurabi’s laws are just. There are many cruel punishments, and I don’t think that cruelty is always the best teaching method. The evidence that I will use are from the Family laws, Property laws, and Personal Injury laws. Read in to read why I think Hammurabi's code is unjust. In the family laws, there is a law that states that if son strikes his father, he shall get his hands chopped off. I don’t think that this is very just, because if the son has not hit him but the father lies and said he did, they are still chopped.You might wonder why a father would report being hit, but one reason is that if a father didn’t have the money to care for the boy anymore, and he hasn’t been a big trouble so he couldn’t disinherit him, so if he “hits” him he can be disinherited. Which leads to another unjust law. A father can disinherit his son if he has created a grave misdemeanor. I don’t think that a father should be allowed to do this if the son is under 18 or can’t read. I feel this way because i think if he has broken the law, that it is the father’s fault because he has not taught...

Words: 709 - Pages: 3