6. Define law and give its three characteristics.

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Stella Trout

Law is defined as a "written and administered retribution and conflict resolution". Its three characteristics are, as in the definition: writing, administration, and retribution. Writing is crucial because it makes law assume a individual, independent character separate from its administrator. This produces the reaction that law itself exacts retribution, not the central authority. Administration (by a centralized authority) makes sure retribution doesn't escalate into a cycle of mutual revenge, which is obviously extremely important. Lastly, retribution is revenge, which is at the heart of law, but the earlier characteristic, administration, keeps retribution in check.

The Mesopotamia exercise notes were used. [1]

For more examples of Mesopotamian law, go here: [2]