Reconstructing Law and Justice in a Postcolony

by Nonso Okafo, Biko Agozino

Overview

Drawing on data from a cross-section of postcolonial nations across the world and on a detailed case-study of Nigeria, this book examines the experience of recreating law and justice in postcolonial societies. Countries studied include Afghanistan, Australia, Brazil, Canada, India, Iraq, Japan, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the USA.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781409491934
Publisher:	Ashgate Publishing Ltd
Publication date:	12/28/2012
Series:	Interdisciplinary Research Series in Ethnic, Gender and Class Relations
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	17 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Nonso Okafo is Professor in the Criminal Justice Graduate Program of Norfolk State University, Virginia. Before taking his PhD at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, he practised as a lawyer in Nigeria. He is the author of Law and Justice in Post-British Nigeria (2002).

Table of Contents

Contents: Foreword; Introduction; Part 1 Customary Law Foundations of Modern Law and Justice: Are traditions, customs, and native laws impotent in the face of modernity? Part 2 Indigenous versus Foreign Social Controls in 12 Selected Countries: Introduction to part 2; Indigenous versus foreign controls in selected countries: Afghanistan, India, Iraq, Saudi Arabia; Indigenous versus foreign controls in selected countries: Brazil, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa; Indigenous versus foreign controls in selected countries: Australia, Canada, Japan, United States of America; Part 2 summary and conclusion: lessons from the countries surveyed. Part 3 Elements in Law and Justice Reconstruction: Introduction to part 3; Obstacles to indigenizing law and justice: a case study of post-British Nigeria; Model law and justice: legislation and enforcement; Model law and justice: adjudication and corrections. Part 4 For a Fresh Philosophy of Justice: Introduction to part 4; Sharing the responsibility of law and justice renewal; Summary and conclusion: checking the excesses of official criminalization in a postcolony: towards increased role for civil response in a reconstructed law and justice system; Appendix; Index.

Editorial Reviews

'Nonso Okafo’s ambitious work addresses the tasks of reconstructing postcolonial legalities in ways which take "customary law" seriously. Okafo offers plentiful provocations. Many a comparative narrative and prescription will evoke lively contestation; however, no one may call into question the courage of conviction that animates this book.' Upendra Baxi, University of Warwick, UK

From the Publisher