JUSTICE IN HELMAND – THE CHALLENGE OF LAW REFORM IN A SOCIETY AT WAR

Abstract

The author describes the shortcomings of the justice system in Helmand province and the problems of running an effective Western-style system when civil authority is strongly contested. Traditional methods of dispute resolution are examined, together with the approach followed by the Taleban. His conclusion is pessimistic. A choice has to be made between accepting an effective traditional system and supporting a system familiar to the West which has little local traction.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Frank Ledwidge

Frank Ledwidge is a barrister. He has worked for many years in the field of Justice Reform in the Balkans and Central Asia. He recently served as the first Justice Advisor to the United Kingdom Provincial Reconstruction Team (P.R.T) in Helmand, Afghanistan