Mesopotamian law refers to the legal systems developed in ancient Mesopotamia, one of the world's earliest civilizations. These laws were often codified, with the most famous example being the Code of Hammurabi, created around 1754 BCE. This code established rules and penalties for various offenses, emphasizing justice and social order. The laws covered a wide range of issues, including trade, property rights, and family matters. They were designed to protect the rights of individuals and maintain stability within society. Mesopotamian law influenced later legal systems and laid the groundwork for the development of written law in human history.