Here's a breakdown of the key elements:
* Retribution: The code emphasizes "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," meaning punishment should be proportionate to the crime. This principle aims to deter crime and ensure fairness by aligning consequences with the actions committed.
* Social Order: Hammurabi's Code sought to maintain order and stability within Babylonian society. It defined roles and responsibilities for different social classes, outlining rules for property ownership, contracts, family life, and even punishments for various offenses.
* Hierarchy: The code reflected a hierarchical society where punishments varied based on social status. For example, a higher-class individual might receive a lesser punishment for the same crime committed by a lower-class individual.
* Emphasis on Evidence: Hammurabi's Code stressed the importance of evidence in legal proceedings. Witnesses and physical evidence were used to determine guilt and ensure fairness in judgment.
While the "an eye for an eye" principle might seem harsh today, it was a significant development in legal history. It provided a standardized system of law, replacing arbitrary rulings and promoting a more predictable and orderly society.