Code of Hammurabi vs American Justice

Code of Hammurabi vs American Justice

The Code of Hammurabi was a primitive and cruel justice system that relied on fear to keep the populace in line.   Hammurabi claimed he was sent by a god to rule, so therefore, no one would question his authority.   Religion alone was not enough to keep the people in line, so Hammurabi created a code of laws that would scare the people into obedience.   Breaking the laws resulted in an inhumane or exaggerated punishment.   Common human error was treated as a crime, and could have severe consequences.   The people lived in constant fear of the law.
The justice system claimed to have an "eye for an eye" mentality, but it often seemed that it was a life for an eye.   Killing a man for committing robbery is extreme, he could just be picking a pocket, rather than robbing a bank.   Cutting of an offender's hand was a common punishment for small crimes.   If a son strikes his father, his hand shall be cut off.   This is done regardless of the circumstances, considering the father could be beating the son.   Amputating a hand often led to death, for there was no medicine to stop the bleeding.
The court attempted to keep people from bearing false witness, by giving severe penalties.   If a man cannot prove that the man he is accusing of murder is guilty, he shall be put to death.   While this might deter citizens from making false accusations, it might cause an innocent man to be put to death because he could not find evidence.   If someone were to bear false witness concerning grain or money, he shall put death.   A little extreme, considering it could be concerning pocket change.   Sentences like this would cause the people to be afraid to stand up for their rights in court.
Severe penalties were often inflicted in cases of common human error.   If a physician were to cause a man's death while operating, he would lose his hand.   Physicians who try to do good are punished for making mistakes.   Once they lose their hand, they cannot operate again.   If criminals gather in a bar, and...