The theory and practice of criminal justice in Africa

Criminal justice reform is necessary across Africa in order to develop society in such a way that it reflects the needs and wants of the population.

The rule of law symbolizes a significant aspect of the development process as it enables the establishment and strengthening of institutions, stimulates confidence in governance, engenders an environment of stability and security and provides a benchmark for social and economic interaction; in short it is pivotal to the construction of the durable foundations necessary for effective development.

Criminal justice systems play a considerable role in the establishment of the rule of law however; criminal justice systems across Africa suffer from chronic funding and personnel shortages and are oft times utilised by elites as a tool through which to maintain their positions of power.

The result of this is to deliver a form of justice that undermines the development process rather than reinforces it. Criminal justice reform is necessary across Africa in order to develop society in such a way that it reflects the needs and wants of the population and establishes a mechanism that can meet the challenges of society and support pathways to development.

Author: Richard Bowd, Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit, University of York, UK.