The Code of Hammurabi: Reducing Risk

Abstract

When I was young, which I must add was not that many years ago, I went on my first holiday abroad. I think I must have been around eight years old. As well as being my first trip abroad, it was also my very first encounter with air travel. We took a flight on a now defunct airline from London to Paris. I clearly remember the sensation of the take-off. I continue to find this the most exciting point of a flight, although, admittedly, ear popping does somewhat impact the whole take-off experience and is perhaps one of the less pleasant aspects of air travel. This was also the age when traveling by plane had an element of bling to it, even in my economy class seat. There was not the endless queuing which plagues busy airports today or the litany of additional add-on costs you have to incur. Indeed, I find it amusing today that airline companies charge extra for minuscule portions of disgusting food (where disgusting is perhaps over-complimentary).

In codes of law it is that men are made,

That men are they, not beasts so weighed,

Solely by thirst, hunger and their urges,

But by justice, right and truth which surges.