Research Catalog

Title

Pathways to judicial power in transitional states : perspectives from African courts / Rachel L. Ellett.

Author

Ellett, Rachel L.

Publication

Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon [UK] ; New York : Routledge, 2013.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

239 p. : ill.; 24 cm

Summary

• "This book explores the complex dynamics between law and politics in three post-independent states of sub-Saharan Africa. It examines the complex and sometimes intriguing relationship 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"--
• "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"--

Subject

• Courts > Africa, Sub-Saharan > History
• Courts > Political aspects > Africa, Sub-Saharan
• Judicial power > Africa, Sub-Saharan
• Political questions and judicial power > Africa, Sub-Saharan
• LAW / General
• LAW / Judicial Power
• LAW / Courts

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. [210]-222) and index.

Contents

African courts in comparative perspective -- Pathways to judicial empowerment -- From colonial conception to authoritarian consolidation -- Transition to multipartyism -- Second multiparty election -- Democratic and judicial stagnation -- Conclusion.

Call Number

Sc E 13-1016

ISBN

• 9780415693905 (hbk. : alk. paper)
• 041569390X (hbk. : alk. paper)
• 9780203539163 (pbk.) (canceled/invalid)
• 0203539168 (pbk.) (canceled/invalid)

LCCN

2012041165

OCLC

812614631

Author

Ellett, Rachel L.

Title

Pathways to judicial power in transitional states : perspectives from African courts / Rachel L. Ellett.

Imprint

Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon [UK] ; New York : Routledge, 2013.

Bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (p. [210]-222) and index.

Research Call Number

Sc E 13-1016