Introduction to Introduction to LawLaw

CLU 3MCLU 3M

Lady JusticeLady Justice

What do you notice about Lady Justice?What do you notice about Lady Justice? How does she relate to our system of law?How does she relate to our system of law?

Lady JusticeLady Justice

Toga: Roman legal traditionToga: Roman legal tradition Blind: all are equal before herBlind: all are equal before her Female: kind and nurturingFemale: kind and nurturing Sword: the power to enforce her Sword: the power to enforce her

decisionsdecisions Scales: weigh evidence, truth, facts, Scales: weigh evidence, truth, facts,

disputants, rightsdisputants, rights Book: Learning, wisdom, statutes, casesBook: Learning, wisdom, statutes, cases

Definition of LawDefinition of Law

A set of rules for the benefit of society, A set of rules for the benefit of society, established by the government, established by the government, interpreted by the courts, and enforced interpreted by the courts, and enforced by the police.by the police.

The Purpose of LawThe Purpose of Law

Protect people and societyProtect people and society Maintain order and protect the systemMaintain order and protect the system Settle disputesSettle disputes

Early Lawmakers: Early Lawmakers: HammurabiHammurabi

King of Babylon ca. 1750 B.C.E.King of Babylon ca. 1750 B.C.E. Earliest codified law (written and organized)Earliest codified law (written and organized) 300 laws were carved on stone columns and 300 laws were carved on stone columns and

placed in the market placesplaced in the market places Believed in retribution (“eye for an eye” quote Believed in retribution (“eye for an eye” quote

in the bible is taken from Hammurabi’s code)in the bible is taken from Hammurabi’s code) Laws given by the god Shamesh “that the Laws given by the god Shamesh “that the

strong shall not harm the weak”strong shall not harm the weak”

Early Lawmakers: MosesEarly Lawmakers: Moses

Leader of the Jews/Israelites ca. 1300 Leader of the Jews/Israelites ca. 1300 B.C.E.B.C.E.

Most laws found in Exodus and Leviticus Most laws found in Exodus and Leviticus (books 2 and 3 of the Bible)(books 2 and 3 of the Bible)

Includes the 10 commandmentsIncludes the 10 commandments Based on the idea of restitution (paying Based on the idea of restitution (paying

back)back)

Early Lawmakers: Early Lawmakers: RomansRomans

From 800 B.C.E. to nearly 500 C.E. the From 800 B.C.E. to nearly 500 C.E. the Romans were legal innovators and Romans were legal innovators and created a very modern system of lawcreated a very modern system of law

Invented lawyersInvented lawyers Justinian’s code remained the most Justinian’s code remained the most

comprehensive legal code in Europe until comprehensive legal code in Europe until it was revised by Napoleon 1500 years it was revised by Napoleon 1500 years laterlater