Final answer:
Modern legal ideas largely originate from ancient codes and practices, such as the Code of Hammurabi and Roman law, which introduced concepts like the presumption of innocence and the use of evidence, as well as the codification of laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
Origins of Modern Legal Ideas:
Many of the modern ideas about law have their origins in historical codes and practices. One of the earliest examples is the Code of Hammurabi, created by the Babylonian King Hammurabi around 1754 BC. This code is known for introducing concepts such as the presumption of innocence and the importance of evidence. It also drew distinctions between different classes of people and attempted to enforce fairness and protection within the society, including for women and servants. The principles of 'an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth' influenced legal systems for centuries to come. Similarly, The Ten Commandments, delivered by Moses, have also laid foundational ethical directives that have influenced Western legal thought.
Beyond Hammurabi's code, Roman law introduced the use of legal precedent and the radical concept that an accused person is innocent until proven guilty, a principle still central to many legal systems today. The tradition of codifying laws, as seen with the Code of Justinian, also has Roman origins and has influenced the development of Western legal codes.
The rule of law and ideas such as the separation of powers were further developed by philosophers like Montesquieu during the Enlightenment, which in turn have shaped modern democratic legal systems. Thus, the codification of laws, the treatment of evidence, and the presumption of innocence are among the many contributions that ancient civilizations have made to contemporary legal principles and practices.