Hittite law refers to the legal system of the ancient Hittite Empire, which existed in Anatolia from around 1600 to 1178 BCE. The laws were codified in a series of texts, with the most famous being the Hittite Law Code. This code covered various aspects of daily life, including property rights, family matters, and criminal offenses, emphasizing restitution and compensation rather than harsh punishments. The legal system was influenced by earlier Mesopotamian laws and included provisions for both free citizens and slaves. Trials were typically overseen by local officials, and the laws aimed to maintain social order and justice within the community.