This book compares the constitutional justice institutions in 16 West African states and analyses the diverse ways in which these institutions render justice and promote democratic development. There is no single best approach: different legal traditions tend to produce different design options. It also seeks to facilitate mutual learning and understanding among countries in the region, especially those with different legal systems, in efforts to frame a common West African system. The authors analyse a broad spectrum of issues related to constitutional justice institutions in West Africa. While navigating technical issues such as competence, composition, access, the status of judges, the authoritative power of these institutions and their relationship with other institutions, they also take a novel look at analogous institutions in pre-colonial Africa with similar functions, as well as the often-taboo subject of the control and accountability of these institutions.

A new order is being forged in Africa. States across the continent are working, fighting, and negotiating in an effort to construct liberal societies and effective government. Organized around the life of Francis L. Nyalali, who served as Chief Justice of Tanzania from 1976 through 1999, Building the Rule of Law shows how judges negotiate new institutional relationships. Through the trials and disappointments of Frances Nyalali, we learn the intricate difficulty of erecting an independent judicial system. But in his success and the success of his homeland, we see the crucial role of justice in an effective democracy.

"African civil law countries are traditionally described as monist and common law countries as dualist. This book illustrates that the monism-dualism dichotomy is too simplistic, in particular in the field of human rights. Academics and practitioners from across the continent illustrate how domestic courts in Africa have engaged with international human rights law to interpret or fill gaps in national bills of rights. The authors also consider the challenges encountered in increasing the use of international human rights law by African domestic courts."--Back cover.