Kodeks Hammurabiego widziany oczami ekonomisty

Abstract

What comes to mind when thinking about the Code of Hammurabi is the famous phrase: eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. It is an example of cruel punishment. However the Code, a collection of royal sentences which dates back to 19th century B.C., contains surprisingly modern regulations. First of all, the law was accessible to all. The Code had been inscribed in stone columns which were placed in temples. Modern courts of law try to block the publication of their sentences. This problem is solved with different efficiency depending of the country. Second, Hammurabi wanted his law to be permanent. He cursed his successors who would like to change his Code. In present day Poland the VAT law had been changed over 40 times in 2011 and 2012 alone. Third, the sentences in the Code were straightforward. This made faith in authorities and trust between people possible. Today, if one kills a man, one can e sentenced to life imprisonment or to probation. That situation destroys faith in justice. Fourth, the foundations of Hammurabi’s law were values. He wanted to protect the vulnerable and to get rid of the bad. Present day law is not aimed at preserving values. It is just a law. Th is short review of Hammurabi’s achievement from the perspective of modern law makes one miss the 4000 years old law.