The Oldest Law in the World

There is no doubt that the life of a lawyer is based on questions, examining evidence, and searching for the strengths and weaknesses in all the arguments presented to them. The first question many lawyers ask to test their knowledge is, “What is the oldest law known to humans?”

The obvious answer is the Code of Hammurabi. This remains the oldest law that researchers have found on record so far. However, this doesn’t account for the fact that humanity is significantly older than the existence of Hammurabi, Hammurabi’s Code, and oral history.

Learn More About How Modern Law is Influenced by the Oldest Law in the World

For this reason, this traditional answer may not be true. Writing is not necessary for a law to exist. For example, the Anglo-Saxon method is based on judicial precedents. The British Constitution was not written down until a later date to safeguard the unwritten law from being abandoned.

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How Can We Determine the Oldest Law in the World?

To answer this question, we must first clarify the concept of a law, and then search for the oldest existence of humanity. Law is “a set of rules of conduct established by the government of a society to maintain stability and justice in that society.” Therefore, the law is general and does not concern a specific person. Rather, it should address a person in their capacity as an employee, a parent, a child, etc.

Here is where people commonly mistake their preferred customs for official laws. A custom that a community follows regularly is not the same as a law, even though it may be treated like one.

The government issues laws, perhaps inspired by some customs and traditions that society practices. Religious orders and rulings are not seen as law. This is because they come from a divine source. However, they do have some influence on human behavior.

Thus, the concept of the legal rule becomes clear.

Going Back to the Beginning of Saudi Arabian Law

To find the oldest legal rule, we must go back to the creation of the first humans, namely Adam, Eve, and their descendants. This is a fact upon which a large number of people agree. This article will not discuss different theories about how opinions on the universe’s creation are formed.

The oldest written records record the creation of Adam and Eve and their descendants living on Earth. These sacred texts agree on the stage of the beginning of creation and human life.

Divine orders define how humans relate to God. Divine orders shape the way humans connect with God. We will focus on the rules Adam and Eve established for their children. Specifically, we will look at the commandment Adam gave. This commandment became the first guideline for humanity after his death.

Here, a legal dispute may arise regarding the issue of the appropriate legal description of this will. Is it a matter of custom or law?

Finding an Answer for Modern Law

The main difference between law and custom is the will of the highest authority in society. Father Adam represents this authority. They put the will into action right away, so the children did not have time to get used to it or make it a habit.

They followed the commandments immediately, whether for moral or practical reasons. It becomes mandatory as long as it is implemented and adhered to. This means it meets the true description of a law.

Based on what was mentioned above, the final answer to this question is that the oldest unwritten law known to humans is the first human constitution, Adam’s will to his descendants. As for the oldest written law, the oldest we have on record so far is Hammurabi’s Code.

A Call for Research Into Ancient Saudi Arabian Law

In conclusion, I call on professionals, such as university professors and legal scholars, to research the first human legislation from a legal perspective in an expanded and more precise manner. This subject remains unknown, with a lack of legal pioneers to research it intensively, and it deserves more attention.

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