1. Deterrence: The Code of Hammurabi was designed to deter people from committing crimes by making the punishments very severe. The idea was that if people knew that they could face serious consequences, such as death or mutilation, for breaking the law, they would be less likely to commit crimes.
2. Retribution: The Code of Hammurabi also sought to provide retribution for crimes that had been committed. The idea was that the victim or the victim's family deserved to see the offender punished in a way that was proportional to the crime. This was seen as a way of restoring justice and preventing future acts of violence.
3. Social control: The Code of Hammurabi also served as a way of maintaining social control. By punishing criminals severely, the government was able to show that it was in control and that it would not tolerate crime. This helped to maintain order and stability in society.
4. Cultural values: The Code of Hammurabi reflects the cultural values of ancient Mesopotamia. At the time, it was believed that harsh punishments were necessary to maintain order and justice. This was due to the fact that ancient Mesopotamia was a violent society, and the government needed to be strong in order to maintain control.