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Pathways to Judicial Power in Transitional States: Perspectives from African Courts

Pathways to Judicial Power in Transitional States: Perspectives from African Courts

Author: Rachel Ellett
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 9781138930117

Published In: June 2015
Format: Paperback
Jurisdiction: U.K. ? Disclaimer:
Countri(es) stated herein are used as reference only
Hardback Edition ISBN: 9780415693905

List Price: RMB 606.21

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Description
Contents

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This book examines the complex relationship that exists between the construction of judicial power, and the institutional characteristics of the courts and their regime setting. It examines the intriguing connection between the construction of judicial power on the one hand, and the institutional characteristics of the courts and regime setting on the other. The book asks whether courts are rendered powerful by virtue of their institutional characteristics or by a supportive, perhaps acquiescent, regime setting. By analyzing the historical pathways of courts in Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi, this book argues that the emergence of judicial power since the colonial period, though fraught with many challenges, presents a unique opportunity for consolidating democracy.

The book examines in detail the significant political decisions of the upper-level courts in Uganda, Tanzania and Malawi from the colonial period to the present day, analyzing them in relation to changes in the political environment over time. Analysis of these decisions is also supplemented by in-depth interviews with judges, lawyers and other important stakeholders in the judicial processes. This book demonstrates that even in the most challenging regime environments, effective institutions and determined individuals can push back against interference and issue politically powerful, independent decisions but the way in which judiciaries respond to this regime pressure varies enormously across countries and regions.

1. Introduction: African Courts in Comparative Perspective

2. Pathway to Judicial Empowerment

3. From Colonial Conception to Authoritarian Consolidation

4. Transition to Multipartyism

5. Second Multiparty Election

6. Democratic and Judicial Stagnation

7. Conclusion