Duhaime.org
Law · Legal Information · Justice
 

Duhaime's Law Gallery - The Law In Pictures

Gallery » Document » Item Details
2100 BC Sumerian Judgment
 

Sumerian Court Judgment 2100 BC

  • Object type: Document
  • Formal Title: Sumerian Court Judgment, c. 2100-2000 BC
  • Creator: unknown Mesopotamian
  • Date Created: 2100
  • Origin: Mesopotamia (now Iraq-Iran)
  • Current Location: London Museum, London

This clay tablet, dated at about 2100 BC, represents one of the earliest examples of jurisprudence.

Translated, the cuneiform script on this tablet refers to a legal dispute over a daughter sold by her father as a slave for 2.5 "shekels" (just under an ounce; 21 grams).

Cuneiform is the world's earliest known written language.

The use of a written language contributed significantly to the foundation of written and predictable law, and thus to peace and order in society.

The Sumerians often wrote on clay which was time-consuming but long-lasting. Because of this, this sample of their court's "wisdom" survives.

Post a Comment

Post Comment
This page has been viewed 178 times.

Latest LawMag headlines:

Law Professor Killed By His Own Justice

Only with nausea can one fathom that Nizar Rayan was a professor of law.

More...

The Drama Of Life, aka Your Local Courthouse

For the voyeurs of everyday life, there is only the courthouse.

More...

Upstart Law School Challenges Old Boys Club

The Internet-based Legal International Evaluation Society, launched its long-awaited online law school on November 27th amidst little fanfare but significant promise.

More...


Read earlier headlines »
Subscribe to stay in touch »


Switch to variable width

Switch to fixed width

Unless otherwise noted, this article was written by Lloyd Duhaime, Barrister, Solicitor, Attorney and Lawyer (and Notary Public!). It is not intended to be legal advice and you would be foolhardy to rely on it in respect to any specific situation you or an acquaintance may be facing. In addition, the law changes rapidly and sometimes with little notice so from time to time, an article may not be up to date. Therefore, this is merely legal information designed to educate the reader. If you have a real situation, this information will serve as a good springboard to get legal advice from a lawyer.

top