Final answer:
The importance of written laws is exemplified by The Code of Hammurabi, which provided clarity and consistency in legal matters and ensured that laws were accessible to all, thus allowing for transparency and enduring legal reference points for future generations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enactment of written laws, such as those in The Code of Hammurabi, holds immense importance for several reasons. Firstly, written laws ensure that rules are clear, consistent, and accessible to all members of society. This is evidenced by how The Code of Hammurabi detailed different rights and obligations for various classes of Babylonian society, ensuring that everyone was aware of the legal framework within which they operated. Notably, the plebeians in Rome later demanded that laws be written down, as seen with the Twelve Tables, to prevent biased legal decisions that could favor the patricians.
Secondly, written laws serve as a durable reference point that can outlast any government or ruler, as witnessed with the enduring influence of Hammurabi's laws long after his death. They lay foundation stones for legal systems, enable dispute resolutions, and reduce potential for corruption by expanding transparency. For instance, The Code of Hammurabi introduced legal concepts such as the presumption of innocence and use of evidence, which contributed to the development of current legal principles.