Final answer:
King Hammurabi's statue is found in the United States Supreme Court because his Code of Hammurabi was an early and influential written legal code, setting forth principles that have influenced numerous legal systems, including those that underpin modern Western laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
King Hammurabi is depicted in the chambers of the United States Supreme Court due to his significant contribution to the development of legal systems. Hammurabi ruled Babylon around 1792-1750 BCE and is most famous for his Code of Hammurabi, which is one of the earliest and most complete written legal codes in human history. This code of laws was inscribed on stone pillars, the most renowned being the Law Code Stele of King Hammurabi, found in the Louvre Museum today. The presence of these laws set foundational principles, including the idea of 'an eye for an eye,' which influenced many subsequent legal systems.
The significance of Hammurabi's code extends beyond its time, as it laid down edicts concerning a wide range of civil interactions, emphasizing justice and the protection of the weak from the strong. His laws were believed to be inspired by the gods, specifically Shamash, the god of justice, as depicted in the engraving atop the stele. This divine connection underscored the sacred nature of laws and the ruler's role as a theocrat. Therefore, the statue of Hammurabi in the United States Supreme Court serves as a symbol of the lasting impact of ancient laws on modern legal principles and values.