Chieftainship and Legitimacy

An Anthropological Study of Executive Law in Lesotho
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-37618-7
Verlag: Routledge

Buch, Englisch, 176 Seiten, Format (B × H): 161 mm x 240 mm, Gewicht: 387 g

Reihe: Routledge Revivals

First published in 1975, Chieftainship and Legitimacy by Ian Hamnett is a seminal work in the anthropology of law. Hamnett argues that law should be recognized as a distinct social category rather than merely an aspect of social control. Through an illuminating analysis of customary law in Lesotho—covering chieftainship succession, property inheritance, and land tenure—he examines the interplay between indigenous legal systems and colonial legal concepts. Supported by leading anthropological studies, the book features a detailed case study of a major chieftainship dispute, highlighting the contrasting assumptions and methods of customary law and modern legal systems. Essential reading for students of African studies, anthropology of law, and sociology, this work offers profound insights into the complexities of law and legitimacy in traditional societies.

Zielgruppe

Postgraduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

Hamnett, Ian

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Soziologie | Soziale Arbeit Soziologie Allgemein
• Sozialwissenschaften Ethnologie | Volkskunde Volkskunde Historische & Regionale Volkskunde

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Acknowledgements Introduction: Aims and Methods 1.  Customary Law 2. The Public Law of Chieftainship Succession 3. The Law of Private Succession and Inheritance 4. Land Tenure 5. Chiefs and the Courts Conclusion: Politics, Administration and Executive Law Appendix I Appendix II List of Cases Cited Notes References Index