-
1750 BCE
The Code of Hammurabi
The Code of Hammurabi is one of the earliest records of laws being written down that we have. The fact that it was written down made it so that punishment was equal for the same crimes. Unfortunately even though the crimes were equal they were much to severe for the crime. Having to write down all of these laws made it so that there were almost 300 laws carved into stone. -
1240 BCE
Mosaic Law
Mosaic Law was the laws given to the Hebrew people from Moses who said they were given to him from God. These laws became known as the 10 commandments. The mosaic law was much shorter than the code of Hammurabi only being recorded on to two stones. Under this law the punishment was less severe because restitution was practiced. -
550 BCE
Justinian Code
The Byzantine Emperor Justinian codified 1000 years of Roman law. The Justinian law emphasized equality. This law was the foundation of the Byzantine legal system for nearly nine hundred years. -
100 BCE
Feudal System
The Feudal system came into place when France conquered England and the land was divided amongst the nobles. There was a major inconsistency within punishment because judges were fond of overlooking cases. Decisions following this law became what we know as England's common law. -
1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was made after the King of England at the time (King John) abused his power . It was made so that the rule of law was put into place making it so everyone had to follow the same laws. Also created the opportunity to Introduce Habeas Corpus which means a person must be brought to court to determine if they can be legally obtained. -
1265
Parliament and Statute Law
Laws changed because English nobility challenged King Henry III to gain more power. Parliament was created to pass laws and to write down laws that the public would finally be able to access. -
Napoleonic Code
The Napoleonic code was also known as the Civil code. The code is named after Napoleon because he was in charge of most of Europe at this time having them follow this model. The code made uniform the private law of France and followed Roman law in being divided into three books.