The Code of Hammurabi and the Twelve Tables of Roman Law were sets of laws established long ago in two different time periods. Despite their differences they share much in common.

One similarity that stands out first is the way the two civilizations viewed the death penalty. By today's standards their views are considered harsh. They fling the death sentence around for many crimes. The Code of Hammurabi as well as the Twelve Tables of Roman Law use the death penalty to punish those who bare false witness.

The death sentence is also handed down to thieves caught in the act. In the Code of Hammurabi it says a man who steals from a burning house is cast into the fire. In the Twelve Tables of Roman Law if a man steals from a farm and uses his weapon he can be lawfully killed on the spot.

Both...