Question

What are some aspects about the code of hammurabi that show it was an example of a developed legal code that reflected existing hierarchies and facilitated the rule of governments over people?

Answer 1

The existing hierarchies were based around social status and class division. The upper classes would often be punished less severely for their transgressions. For example, if a doctor makes a mistake and kills a poor peasant, then the doctor gets fined. If the doctor makes a mistake and kills a wealthy noble, then he would be punished by death or have his hands cut off or similar things.