The 1960s, in retrospect, may be chiefly remembered for the unprecedented constitutional developments it witnessed in countries emerging from colonial rule. Originally published in 1963, an examination of these constitutional developments from the authoritative pens of the previous Legal Adviser to the Colonial and Commonwealth Relations Offices, and the Legal Adviser to the Colonial Office at the time was, therefore, particularly timely – for no two men in human history can have had to draft so many constitutional instruments. One after another of these new constitutions had, moreover, included certain ‘Fundamental Rights’, so a discussion of this subject by a recognised academic authority, together with an examination by an ex-Chief Justice of Allahabad of the constitutional writs which have been so widely used in India to protect these rights, was particularly appropriate. An erudite examination of the origins of the famous phrase ‘Justice, Equity and Good Conscience’ by the Reader in Oriental Laws in the University of London, fittingly concludes the first half of this volume. Legal developments in these emergent countries, had, however, by no means been limited to the sphere of constitutional law. So the series continues with contributions on the legal profession in African territories, by a former President of the Law Society, and on the problems posed by Islamic law in that continent, by the Professor of Oriental Laws. Criminal Law is represented by a consideration of ‘Liability under the Nigerian Criminal Code’ by an ex-Chief Justice of the Western Region; matters economic and sociological by papers on ‘Legal Development and Economic Growth in Africa’ and ‘Women’s Status and Law Reform’ by two experts in Africa law; and developments in Asia by an examination of recent legislation on family law in Pakistan, and of the sources of Chinese Law in Hong Kong, by other members of the staff of the School of Oriental and African Studies.

This book examines the prospects for business law reform to drive economic development in developing countries. It argues that, despite statements to the contrary, cultural factors and other local conditions in developing countries are not properly taken into account in current business law reform programs. Utilizing the city of Dakar as an example, this book investigates the consequences of this lack of fit between local needs and transplanted legal models by examining the potential and actual impact of the OHADA program of law reform on local business practices. Focusing on how managers make decisions and apply appropriate norms in routine business operations, the book documents how contractual disputes arise and are solved in Dakar and the role played by formal law in these processes. By examining imported law from the point of view of the end-users of legal reforms, the book reveals the complex relationship between formal law, local cultural norms and the activities of SMEs operating in developing economies, and calls for a reconsideration of current law and development theory as well as the role of contract law in business decisions. It will be relevant to all developing countries seeking to align their laws with ’best practice’ as identified by aid institutions.

Folk Law, a comprehensive two-volme collection of essays, examines the meeting place of folklore - the unwritten law of obligations and prohibitions that are understood and passed on - and jurisprudence. The contributors explore the historical significance and implications of folk law, its continuing influence around the globe, and the conflicts that arise when folk law diverges from official law. -- Taken from publisher's site

This volume identifies and elaborates on the significance and functions of the various actors involved in the development of family law in the Middle East. Besides the importance of family law regulations for each individual, family law has become the battleground of political and social contestation. Divided into four parts, the collection presents a general overview and analysis of the development of family law in the region and provides insights into the broader context of family law reform, before offering examples of legal development realised by codification drawn from a selection of Gulf states, Iran, and Egypt. It then goes on to present a thorough analysis of the role of the judiciary in the process of lawmaking, before discussing ways the parties themselves may have shaped and do shape the law. Including contributions from leading authors of Middle Eastern law, this timely volume brings together many isolated aspects of legal development and offers a comprehensive picture on this topical subject. It will be of interest to scholars and academics of family law and religion.

Developmental change and the related problems of modernization have attracted the attention of scholars in many discipliness. In this bibliography -- derived and expanded from an earlier compilation by Mr. Spitz and Edward Weidner -- the author orders and annotates nearly 2,500 articles appearing between 1945 and 1969 in 234 journals from 25 countries. Organized by subject and indexed by both author and journal, the citations include studies of social problems, economic factors, political questions, public administration, and international cooperation and assistance. Special emphasis has been given to new and little-known sources. In addition, a selected bibliography of monographs and book-length studies dealing with the modernization of underdeveloped countries and areas is included in the volume.