The Challenges to the Informal Justice System in Ethiopia

Abstract

The informal justice system may not necessarily be uniform across Ethiopia. Nonetheless, there are common features shared between them. Despite its vital, there are various challenges Informal Justice System in Ethiopia.  However, these challenges are little known and rare to find the knowledge of the challenges.  Thus, this study aimed to assess challenges to the informal justice system in Ethiopia.  A qualitative research approach was employed.  The data was collected through in-depth interviews and secondary sources and critically analyzed via thematic categorization procedures.  The study identified that urbanization, education, and modernization were challenges to the informal justice system.  Besides, the absence of a clear policy direction and legal framework, other challenges to the informal justice system in Ethiopia. lack of consistency with basic laws and uniformity across the country and recognition by the formal justice system was contributed to the less relevance of the informal justice system. To strengthen the informal justice system in Ethiopia building institutional linkages between the formal and informal justice systems and equal recognition of both informal and formal justice systems substantially and procedurally in the legal document should be vital.

Keywords: Informal, Informal justice system, formal justice system

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/105-01

Publication date: January 31^st 2021