Performing Power in Zimbabwe: Politics, Law, and the Courts since 2000

Susanne Verheul's book explores why the judiciary have remained a central site of contestation in post-independence Zimbabwe, arguing that law's potential to reproduce or transform social and political power through the narrative, material, and sensory dimensions of courtroom performances.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 09 September 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Susanne Verheul delves into the intriguing realm of political trials in Zimbabwe's Magistrates Courts between 2000 and 2012, shedding light on why the judiciary has remained a central arena of contention in the post-independence era. Through meticulous court observations and in-depth interviews, this book forefronts the potential of law to reproduce or transform social and political power through the narrative, material, and sensory dimensions of courtroom performances. Instead of perceiving appeals to law as acts of resistance by marginalized orders seeking inclusion in dominant modes of rule, Susanne Verheul argues that the stakes were not merely recognition by, but of this formal, rule-bound ordering, and the form of citizenship it stood for. In this way, law transcended its mere instrumental role and became a platform for expressing competing conceptions of political authority, as well as shaping and performing people's understandings of themselves as citizens.

This book offers a rich and nuanced exploration of the complex dynamics between law, power, and citizenship in post-independence Zimbabwe. By examining the role of the judiciary in shaping political outcomes, Susanne Verheul challenges traditional narratives that view law as a tool of the dominant order. Instead, she demonstrates how law can be used by marginalized groups to challenge and redefine dominant power structures. Through the lens of performative legal engagements, Verheul shows how courtroom performances can shape public perceptions, influence legal decisions, and ultimately contribute to the formation of citizenship.

One of the key insights of this book is the recognition of the sensory and material dimensions of courtroom performances. Verheul argues that the physical setting, the attire of legal professionals, and the use of props and visual aids can all have significant impacts on the perception and interpretation of legal proceedings. By examining the sensory aspects of courtroom performances, Verheul sheds light on how power dynamics are enacted and reproduced through the visual and material aspects of legal encounters.

Another important aspect of this book is the exploration of the role of law in shaping people's understandings of themselves as citizens. Verheul argues that law not only regulates social and political relationships, but also plays a crucial role in constructing and performing people's identities as citizens. Through the narratives and performances of legal cases, people are able to articulate their rights and claims, and challenge dominant narratives that undermine their sense of belonging and agency.

This book is a valuable contribution to the field of law and society, offering a fresh perspective on the role of law in post-independence Zimbabwe. By challenging traditional understandings of law and power, Susanne Verheul provides a valuable roadmap for scholars and activists seeking to promote justice, equality, and social change in the region. Through her meticulous research and compelling analysis, Verheul demonstrates the power of law to shape and transform social and political power, and the importance of engaging with the sensory and material dimensions of legal encounters in order to achieve meaningful change.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316515860
Edition number: New ed