Final answer:
Law 48 offers protection to merchants, as they were a vital part of the economy responsible for trade and commerce and faced numerous risks in their profession. The correct answer is option D.
Step-by-step explanation:
Law 48 offers protection primarily to merchants. Historically, with the stratification of society, there were distinctive classes or groups of people who played different roles within the civilization. Merchants formed an essential part of the economy, often responsible for trade and commerce.
They frequently faced risks and uncertainties, ranging from theft to fraud, during their transactions. Thus, laws would be enacted to safeguard their interests and ensure a stable economic environment. This legal protection helped in maintaining the flow of goods and commerce, which was vital for the survival and growth of any state or empire.
There was a concern among the common classes—small farmers, shopkeepers, laborers, and artisans—that the elites were corrupt and their legislations would not protect the interests of the wider society. However, the merchants, due to their crucial role in the economy, were usually more protected under the law compared to other common people.