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: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
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 contest dominant power structures and assert their rights. Through the lens of performative legal engagements, Verheul highlights the ways in which courtroom performances shape not only legal outcomes but also public perceptions and understandings of political authority.

One of the key insights of this book is that law is not merely a static institution but a dynamic force that is constantly evolving and adapting to changing social and political contexts. Verheul argues that legal performances are not just about adherence to rules and procedures but also about the creation and negotiation of meanings and identities. By examining the ways in which lawyers, judges, and witnesses perform their roles in the courtroom, Verheul reveals the complex interplay between power, legitimacy, and justice.

Furthermore, this book sheds light on the ways in which legal processes can be used to perpetuate or challenge dominant power structures. Verheul demonstrates how legal decisions can be influenced by political considerations, and how legal actors can use their positions to advance their own interests or those of their clients. She also highlights the ways in which legal proceedings can be used to undermine the legitimacy of political leaders and institutions.

Overall, Susanne Verheul's book is a valuable contribution to the study of law, power, and citizenship in post-independence Zimbabwe. By exploring the role of the judiciary in shaping political outcomes, she provides a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics between law, power, and society. This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and practitioners working in the fields of law, politics, and social justice.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009011792