For this section, I will be looking at Law and Justice in ancient Mesopotamia through the Law Code of Hammurabi. Specifically, I will look at what women enjoyed and what restrictions they were subject to.
Right away, we can see that women do not have very much liberty in this society. For example, if a women that has dedicated her life to God enters a tavern for a drink, she is to be put to death (97). Secondly, if a women is caught having an affair, both her and the other man are to be out to death by being thrown into the water, however, she may be pardoned by her husband (97). however, if a man rapes a women, the man is to be put to death (97). Women are also protected when men divorce them. For example, if a man wants to divorce his wife that has given him children, she is to be paid her dowry, and she has a right to use the property of her husband (97). Lastly, if a women falls ill to a disease, the husband can take a second wife. However, he must still care for his first wife by keeping her in their home, and supporting her throughout her life (97). Clearly, we can see that this is not an ideal society for women. However, women are still given some sense of protection, despite the laws being favorable to men.
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