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Which characteristic is common to the Code of Hammurabi, the Twelve Tables, and the Justinian Code?

  1. legalized monotheistic beliefs

  2. established legal standards

  3. provided records of economic activity

  4. supported republican governments

The correct answer is: established legal standards

The characteristic that is common to the Code of Hammurabi, the Twelve Tables, and the Justinian Code is that they all established legal standards. Each of these legal codes was created to provide a systematic approach to the law, defining the rights and responsibilities of individuals within their respective societies. The Code of Hammurabi, one of the earliest written legal codes from ancient Mesopotamia, outlined various laws and the corresponding punishments for transgressions, thus helping to create a sense of order and justice in the society. Similarly, the Twelve Tables served as a foundational legal document for ancient Rome, detailing laws that applied to all Roman citizens and ensuring public accessibility to legal standards. The Justinian Code, also known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, compiled and systematized Roman law, influencing legal systems in many Western societies well beyond its time. By establishing comprehensive legal standards, these codes contributed to the development of structured governance and social order, reflecting the values and norms of the cultures from which they emerged.