The Routledge Handbook of African Law

The Routledge Handbook of African Law provides a comprehensive and critical overview of the contemporary legal terrain in Africa, covering legal pluralism, the state, institutions, constitutionalism, economic development, human rights, gender-based violence, and international law. It is an essential resource for academics, researchers, lawyers, and students.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 618 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Routledge Handbook of African Law is a comprehensive and critical exploration of the contemporary legal landscape across Africa. Comprising a diverse international team of expert contributors, the handbook adopts an analytical and comparative approach to shed light on the interconnectedness of different jurisdictions and legal traditions across the continent.

The volume is structured into five distinct parts, each addressing key aspects of African legal systems and their relationship with the global sphere:

Legal Pluralism and African Legal Systems: This section delves into the diverse legal systems and traditions found within Africa, highlighting the complexities and challenges of legal pluralism. It explores the historical, cultural, and political factors that shape African legal systems and examines their interactions with international law and global legal norms.

The State, Institutions, Constitutionalism, and Democratic Governance: This part examines the role of the state in African legal systems, including its structure, functions, and relationship with other institutions such as the judiciary, parliament, and civil society. It explores constitutionalism, democratic governance, and the protection of human rights in African countries.

Economic Development, Technology, Trade, and Investment: Recognizing the pivotal role of economic development in Africa, this section explores the legal frameworks and policies that govern trade, investment, technology, and economic growth. It examines the challenges and opportunities posed by globalization, regional integration, and the development of infrastructure.

Human Rights, Gender-Based Violence, and Access to Justice: This section focuses on the protection and promotion of human rights in Africa, particularly in the context of gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive rights, and access to justice. It examines the legal frameworks, institutions, and policies that aim to address these issues and promote social justice and equality.

International Law, Institutions, and International Criminal Law: Recognizing the importance of international law in shaping African legal systems, this section explores the role of international institutions, such as the United Nations, the African Union, and the International Criminal Court, in promoting peace, security, and justice in Africa. It examines the challenges and opportunities presented by international law and its implementation in African countries.

The Routledge Handbook of African Law offers invaluable insights into the specific contexts of African legal systems and their interplay with the broader global community. It serves as a crucial resource for academics, researchers, lawyers, and students engaged in the study of African law, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of the field. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach, the handbook encourages a deeper understanding of the complex legal challenges and opportunities facing Africa today.

Weight: 1150g
Dimension: 174 x 246 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032080666