Laws, Systems, and Human Rights Laws in Ancient Mesopotamian Civilization

(A comparative study)

Abstract

History is a series of continuous links that complement each other. The past is a means of understanding the present, just as the present lives on in the past, and both shape the future. Mesopotamian civilization is considered one of the oldest and has recorded its historical presence in all aspects of religion, politics, economics, and society. This civilization was concerned with the general rights of man. It stipulates justice and equality, as justice and equality are considered among the most important principles upheld by Mesopotamian civilization. We must also realize that depriving people of their rights is something that cannot be dismissed as long as injustice remains a characteristic of some human souls. However, the human rights movement in human history has made great strides, and this is due to the struggles of individuals and peoples throughout history against injustice and tyranny. We also found that Iraqi civilization, throughout its historical periods, witnessed a series of important legislation and reforms developed in the field of human rights. They played a prominent and important role in establishing the first foundations of those rights. Therefore, we will address the laws that preceded the Code of Hammurabi solely from the perspective of their influence and of being influenced by them, leaving the other aspects of those laws to the topics of general legal history.