Delict in the Law Compendia of Mesopotamia and Hatti: Qualitative and Quantitative Analyses

Abstract

This article surveys the statutes referring to delict in the ancient Near Eastern law collections. It presents an introductory discussion of delict and of law compendia from Mesopotamia and Hatti, and explains the complexities involved in analysing these sources. Five categories of delict are then studied from qualitative and quantitative points of view: theft, damage, homicide, injury, and perjury. Each category is surveyed and analysed separately, and, finally, several delicts that defy the strict classification to one specific category are discussed.