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1750 BCE
The Code of Hammurabi
The Code of Hammurabi is a collection of nearly 300 laws carved into stone that establishes consistency about the punishments for each crime. The code is based on the system of retribution and very hard punishments would come for the crime one commits. -
1240 BCE
Mosaic Law
Mosaic law is the laws Moses have to the Hebrew people. Moses is said to have been given the law from God and was called the 10 commandments. The 10 commandments were carved on two stones. Restitution was practiced under this law. -
550 BCE
Justinian Code
Justinian, the Byzantine Emperor, codified 1000 years of Romanic law. Justninian emphasized equality under the law. -
1000
Feudal System
France conquered England and land was divided amongst nobels. The lords had servants for which they would judge laws. Inconsistency arose and judges began overlooking cases. These decisions lead to what is currently known as common law in England. -
1215
Magna Carta
Magna Carta was a document made after King John of England abused his power. It introduced the Rule of Law: all people rulers and commoners must follow the same laws. It also introduced Habeas Corpus: A person must be brought to court to decide if they are being legally obtained. -
1265
Parliment and Statute Law
The English nobility wanted more power and challenged King Henry III. The first parliament was created and they began writing down laws which the public should read. -
Napoleonic Code
The Napoleonic Code is also known as the French Civil Code. Napoleon was in control of most of Europe at this time and because of this, most of Europe followed this model.