Description
Book SynopsisThe positive effects of rule of law norms and institutions are often assumed in the fields of global governance and international development, with empirical work focusing more on the challenges of using law to engineer social change abroad. Questioning this assumption, the book contends that purportedly “good” rule of law standards do not always deliver benign benefits but rather often have negative consequences that harm the very local constituents which rule of law promoters promise to help. In particular, the book argues that rule of law promotion in post-colonial societies reinforces socioeconomic and political inequality which disproportionately favors dominant actors who have the wealth, education, and influence to navigate the state legal system. In addition to an historical account of legal development in colonial-settler environments, this argument is also drawn from a comparative study which focuses on the UK-supported justice sector development programs in Sierra Leone and the US-funded rule of law projects in Liberia.
The book argues that rule of law promotion in post-colonial societies reinforces socioeconomic and political inequality which disproportionately favors dominant actors who have the wealth, education, and influence to navigate the state legal system.
In addition to an historical account of legal development in colonial-settler environments, this study is also drawn from a comparative study which focuses on the UK-supported justice sector development programs in Sierra Leone and the US-funded rule of law projects in Liberia.
Table of ContentsPART I: Historical background
Chapter 1 – The rule of law in colonial and post-colonial Africa
Chapter 2 – The rule of law internationalization since the 1990s
PART II: The rule of law and the local economy
Chapter 3 – Opening local economies to neoliberal business?
Chapter 4 – Access to justice in the local economy
PART III: The rule of law and local balance of power
Chapter 5 – Law and the consolidation of power in transitional countries
Chapter 6 – Traditional justice and local power
PART IV: The rule of law and communal livelihood
Chapter 7 – Common law tradition and access to justice
Chapter 8 – Accessing justice outside the state
