Middle Assyrian Laws

( ca. 1115–1077 BCE ) Commentary by Mark Chavalas, University of Wisconsin—La Crosse

“If a woman should lay a hand upon a man and they prove the charges against her, she shall pay 1,800 shekels of lead; they shall strike her 20 blows with rods.” - A7
“If a man intends to divorce his wife, if it is his wish, he shall give her something; if that is not his wish, he shall not give her anything, and she shall leave empty-handed.” - A37
“In addition to the punishments for [a man's wife] that are [written] on the tablet, a man may [whip] his wife, pluck out her hair, mutilate her ears, or strike her, with impunity.” - A59
“If a man, who has not yet received his inheritance share, takes a life, they shall hand him over to the next-of-kin. Should the next-of-kin so choose, he shall kill him, or, if he chooses to come to an accommodation, then he shall take his inheritance share.” - B2

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