The primary purpose of this course is to explore, by the
comparative method, the basic concepts of African legal theory
and practice; the structure and content of African legal
systems; reception of foreign laws and their interaction with
African customary law; the rules developed to resolve internal
conflict of laws; and the evolution of modern African
constitutions. The class will also review specific topics, such
as the tension between customary law and modern constitutional
standards in areas of marriage, inheritance, and succession; and
land tenure, administration, and conflict resolution. The class
will further evaluate the role of law in fostering social and
economic development to reduce poverty, disease, and
malnutrition; the role of international financial institutions
in Africa; and the contribution of foreign direct investment,
international trade, and transfer of technology. Specific topics
will be explored, including on-going legal and judicial reforms.
Major topics include (1) African legal sys