Final answer:
The earliest known written code of punishment is the Code of Hammurabi from 1754 BC. It introduced a legal framework that included various punishments based on retributive justice and varied by social class, with lasting influence on legal systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The earliest known written code of punishment is the Code of Hammurabi, which dates back to 1754 BC. Hammurabi, the King of Babylon, established this code which was based on the principle of retributive justice, often summarized as "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." This system of laws was crucial for maintaining order in a complex and growing society, specifying various punishments including monetary fines and death sentences, that were to be enforced to resolve conflicts and deter transgressive behavior.
One noteworthy aspect of the Code of Hammurabi is that punishments could vary according to the social class of the transgressor, reflecting the stratified social hierarchy of ancient Babylon. Such disparity in the application of the law underscores the value placed on class distinctions within the society at the time. Despite this, concepts such as the presumption of innocence and the use of evidence show the code's influence on the development of legal systems.