Introduction

This publication examines traditional justice systems in sub-Saharan Africa from a human rights perspective and, in particular, with reference to the rights enumerated in international human rights treaties. These traditional justice systems have historically functioned as an alternative or as a complement to the formal State court system. They are typically based on customary practices, traditions and rules of communities that have, over time, been deemed to be customary law. There may be a significant number of traditional justice systems within a given country, as different communities often have their own customary law. Customary law may be oral or written, and decisions may or may not be recorded as jurisprudence.

Related Subject(s): International Law and Justice