Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Notes on Contributors
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Part One The Nature and Future of Customary Law
- Part Two Ascertainment, Application, and Codification of Customary Law
- 4 The Quest for Customary Law in African State Courts
- 5 The Withering Province of Customary Law in Kenya
- 6 Putting Old Wine in New Wine Skins
- 7 Traditional Authorities
- 8 Engaging Legal Dualism
- 9 The Future of Customary Law in Ghana
- Part Three The Role and Power of Traditional Authorities
- Part Four Customary Land, Property Rights, and Succession
- Part Five Customary Criminal Law
- Part Six Customary Law, Human Rights, and Gender Equality
- Index
- References
8 - Engaging Legal Dualism
Paralegal Organizations and Customary Law in Sierra Leone and Liberia
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 February 2012
Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Notes on Contributors
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Part One The Nature and Future of Customary Law
- Part Two Ascertainment, Application, and Codification of Customary Law
- 4 The Quest for Customary Law in African State Courts
- 5 The Withering Province of Customary Law in Kenya
- 6 Putting Old Wine in New Wine Skins
- 7 Traditional Authorities
- 8 Engaging Legal Dualism
- 9 The Future of Customary Law in Ghana
- Part Three The Role and Power of Traditional Authorities
- Part Four Customary Land, Property Rights, and Succession
- Part Five Customary Criminal Law
- Part Six Customary Law, Human Rights, and Gender Equality
- Index
- References
Summary
Introduction
Paralegal organizations working in Africa are often comprised of non-lawyers who assist communities and individuals in the resolution of justice disputes. African paralegal organizations often operate in legal dualist systems in which both formal law and African customary law co-exist. Paralegals may be trained in formal law and frequently have intimate knowledge of customary law. Paralegals’ backgrounds in both areas of law place them in a unique position to assist communities in navigating the formal and customary systems.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- The Future of African Customary Law , pp. 170 - 201Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2011
References
Between Law and Society: Paralegals and the Provision of Justice Services in Sierra Leone and Worldwide 31 Yale J. Int’l L427 2007Google Scholar
Custody, Maintenance, and Succession: The Internalization of Women’s and Children’s Rights under Customary Law in Africa 28 Mich. J. Int’l L507 2007Google Scholar
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Human Rights and Justice Sector Reform in Africa: Contemporary Issues and Responses 18Open Society Justice Initiative 2005Google Scholar
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