Adana's Law Code

As part of our homeschool curriculum this year, Adana and I are studying ancient history.  Recently, we were discussing the rise of the Babylonian empire and the rule of Hammurabi, one of its ancient kings (c. 1700 BC).  Hammurabi was known for expanding his empire throughout Mesopotamia, and for establishing "fair and just" laws to rule his subjects.  These laws are know as the Hammurabi Code, and they were some of the first written laws in history.  They are remarkable for their attempt at being both comprehensive and fair.

Some examples of Hammurabi's laws:

• If someone cuts down a tree on someone else's land, he will pay for it.
• If a man wants to throw his son out of the house, he has to go before a judge and say, "I don't want my son to live in my house any more." The judge will find out the reasons. If the reasons are not good, the man can't throw his son out.
• If the son has done some great evil to his father, his father must forgive him the first time. But if he has done something evil twice, his father can throw him out.
• If a thief steals a cow, a sheep, a donkey, a pig, or a goat, he will pay ten times what it is worth. If he doesn't have any money to pay with, he will be put to death.
• An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. If a man puts out the eye of another man, put his own eye out. If he knocks out another man's tooth, knock out his own tooth. If he breaks another man's bone, break his own bone.
• If a doctor operates a patient and the patient dies, the doctor's hand will be cut off.
• If a builder builds a house, and that house collapses and kills the owner's son, the builder's son will be put to death.
• If a robber is caught breaking a hole into the house so that he can get in and steal, he will be put to death in front of that hole.
• If a son strike his own father, his hands shall be cut off.

I have taught this same section of history with all of my kids, and each time I teach it, I let the kids create their own "Law Code" for our family.

The boys wrote this one while we were in Turkey.
They were STRICT about enforcing it!  I can remember many wrestling matches ending with one of them standing in the hot sun in the front yard. (#3)

This was Emma's.
I have clearly instilled a healthy respect for the sanctity of naps!
As for #5 - our kids are required to eat whatever is served to them, except for their "chosen food."  They can each pick one food that they never have to eat, unless, of course, they complain about my cooking.  :)

Here's Adana's Law Code.
1.  If someone doesn't take turns, they can't play any more.
2.  If you are fighting, you should be grounded for two days and you have to do your chores extra well.
3.  If you break something, you have to pay for it.
4.  If you punch someone in the face, you are grounded for a week.  The person who got punched gets a treat from Bon Bons.  (our local candy store)

I've already caught her taunting the boys, trying to get them to punch her in the face.  Anything for candy.