Hammurabi's code of law...

[Cotton1]

https://www-history-com.cdn.ampproje...ammurabis-code

The code includes one of the earliest examples of the presumption of innocence.

[FindersKeepers]

Interesting.

Hammurabi's Code is thought by some to be the basis of the 10 Commandments as well, since it includes all but the spiritual commandments.

I can see this type of code cropping up eventually in virtually any civilization as the rulers tried to establish morals and laws.

Societal presumption of innocence is lacking today, however, as virtually anyone can accuse anyone else of sexual misconduct or racial animus and have that person fired from their job. Jussie Smollet and the #MeToo movement come to mind. In Hammurabi's Code, false accusers would be severely punished, but not today. Today, they're encouraged to tell their tales, whether true or false, and the rest of us are admonished to "believe them." When we catch them in lies -- we're to feel sorry for them. Poor things.

Is that progression? Or regression?

[Chris]

It makes sense to me for law back then when written tried to capture the naturally evolved traditions and customs of a people and presumption of innocence just like property law and so on would be expected.

The 10 Commandments mix religion with common law. Property law derives as well from religion but ancient, polytheistic religion, and it seems to me the first few commandments develop monotheism.