Law and Humanities - Lex Talionis

Here are some questions to get you started:  First, feel free to discuss those portions of The Code of Hammurabi and Deuteronomy that surprised you, and then try to think of reasons why the laws were so strict and/or strange 3000 years ago.  Also, you could discuss those portions of the readings that you think reveal any ancient wisdom that you think should be implemented (or is already being used) today.  I will be posting some additional materials and questions later in the week.