The Code of Hammurabi Research Assignment Paper

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The Code of Hammurabi
1 What happens to someone who harbors a runaway slave?
The laws of Hammurabi states that anyone who is found to shelter an escaping slave should be put to death. Such a harsh punishment could be linked to the importance bestowed on slave ownership and how it was hard to obtain one. First, slaves were a valuable asset to the ancient Babylonians; for instance, they were used as field workers in agricultural fields, constructions of irrigation channels, temples, and roads. Other slaves were skilled craftsmen who could be engaged in valuable jobs of the empire. Second, slaves were not easily obtained; most of the slaves were taken as war captives, and others were taken from the foreign countries through the slave trade. In this respect, a severe punitive measure had to be instituted to stop any person to engage in any activity that could assist a slave to escape.
2 Are there any business-related laws here?
Yes, various business-related Codes explain the commercial terms engaged by the locals. For instance, Rule 53 stipulates that if a person does not ensure that his dyke is strong and it causes water to overflow, such a person will bear the losses that are caused by such a flood. Such a law reflects on the importance attached to the agricultural activity to ensure that people do not suffer damages at the expense of one person whose negligence can make others to lack food. Again, Codes 253 and 254 explain the relationship between the proprietor of the field and the worker; in case the hired man steals from the owner and is found with the evidence, his fingers are supposed to be cut-off and the stolen grai...