Final answer:
The Code of Hammurabi reinforced men's authority in a patriarchal society, forbade adultery for both men and women, and emphasized proportional retribution for offenses. The code did not separate religious from civil law.
Step-by-step explanation:
From the options provided, the descriptions of Hammurabi’s law code that are correct include:
- a) It reinforced the authority of men in a patriarchal society.
- c) It forbade adultery for both men and women.
- d) It emphasized principles of just retribution for offenses.
The Code of Hammurabi is known for its principle of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth," reflecting the idea of just retribution based on the severity of the offense. The code also fortified men’s authority in society, reflecting the patriarchal norms of the time. Adultery was indeed forbidden for both genders, although the repercussions tended to favor men’s dominance according to the period’s social norms. Option b) is incorrect as the code did not separate religious law from civil law.
Historically, the Code of Hammurabi included laws that applied differently to various social classes, with harsher punishments often reserved for lower social ranks, and was a significant legal document that influenced Mesopotamian society for centuries.