Legal Reform and Business Contracts in Developing Economies: Trust, Culture, and Law in Dakar

by Julie Paquin, Prakash Shah

Overview

Taking a new approach by examining the impact of the transferability of law on end-users and by focussing on how appropriate norms are applied in specific situations, the book documents how contractual disputes arise and are solved and calls for a reconsideration of current law and development theory as well as the role of contract law in business decisions. It is relevant to all developing countries seeking to align their laws with ‘best practice’ as identified by aid institutions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781409471523
Publisher:	Ashgate Publishing Ltd
Publication date:	02/28/2013
Series:	Cultural Diversity and Law
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Julie Paquin is Assistant Professor of Law at University of Ottawa, Canada, where she teaches in the areas of private and business law. Her current research interests are in the areas of contract law, international development and socio-legal studies.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

1 Law, Development and Culture in Africa 7

2 Re-assessing the Role of Culture in Business Contracts 39

3 Law, Business and the "Investment Climate" in Dakar 65

4 Doing Business in Dakar: Contracts, Trust, and Relationships 83

5 The Role of Law in Business Contracts: Lessons from Dakar 115

Appendix A 131

Bibliography 133

Index 161

Editorial Reviews

’Paquin takes outside of the doors of the academy theories about the role of law in economic development and exposes them to the sunlight of Dakar in Senegal. Looked at from the bottom up, she suggests needed revisions. Indeed, this significant work provides important suggestions about law and economic transactions that are relevant to both developing and developed nations.’ Stewart Macaulay, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA ’This book uses conversations with African entrepreneurs to paint a detailed picture of the market relationships between small firms in Dakar. The author draws from a broad literature in economics, history, and sociology, to interpret her findings and generate important insights into the workings of markets in developing countries.’ Marcel Fafchamps, University of Oxford, UK ’This book advances our understanding of the role of law in the rule of law affecting commercial transactions. Julie Paquin’s work on the complex relationships and influences underlying contractual performance bridges the gap between theory and practice. Although situated in the day-to-day reality of Dakar, her research illuminates the broader fabric of constraints to successful reform efforts, with findings that will help to shape future research and programming.’ Wade Channell, Senior Legal Reform Advisor, USAID

From the Publisher