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The Global Gender Equality Constitutional Database is a repository of gender equality related provisions in 194 constitutions from around the world. The Database was updated in partnership with the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Government of Japan. Experience its wealth and depth of information by starting your search now.
Customary Law
- English...(2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the principles of Eswatini customary law (Eswatini Law and Custom) are hereby recognised and adopted and shall be applied and enforced as part of the law of Eswatini.(3) The provisions of subsection (2) do not apply in respect of any custom that is, and to the extent that it is, inconsistent with a provision of this Constitution or a statute, or repugnant to natural justice or morality or general principles of humanity.(4) Parliament may ...(a) provide for the proof and pleading of the rule of custom for any purpose;(b) regulate the manner in which or the purpose for which custom may be recognised, applied or enforced; and(c) provide for the resolution of conflicts of customs or conflicts of personal laws. (Sec. 252)
Customary Law
- EnglishAn Act of Parliament may provide for the establishment, composition and jurisdiction of—
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(b) customary law courts whose jurisdiction consists primarily in the application of customary law;
… (Sec. 174)
Customary Law
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b. The Legislature shall enact laws to govern the devolution of estates and establish rights of inheritance and descent for spouses of both statutory and customary marriages so as to give adequate protection to surviving spouses and children of such marriages. (Art. 23)
Customary Law
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61. The formation, annulment and dissolution of marriages other than marriages under Islamic law and Customary law including matrimonial causes relating thereto.
… (Second Schedule – Legislative Powers, Part I – Exclusive Legislative List)
Customary Law
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2. Every person who is charged with a criminal offence—...
d. shall unless legal aid is granted him in accordance with the law enacted by Parliament for such purpose be permitted to defend himself before the court in person, or at his own expense, by a legal representative of his own choice;
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12. Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of—
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b. paragraph (d) of clause (2) to the extent that it is shown that the law in question prohibits legal representation before a subordinate court in proceedings for an offence under Zambian customary law, being proceedings against any person who, under that law, is subject to that law;
… (Art. 18)
Customary Law
- English1. In the interpretation of all laws and in the resolution of political disputes the provisions of this Constitution shall be regarded as the supreme arbiter and ultimate source of authority.
2. In the application and formulation of any Act of Parliament and in the application and development of the common law and customary law, the relevant organs of State shall have due regard to the principles and provisions of this Constitution. (Sec. 10)
Customary Law
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3. Land in Uganda shall be owned in accordance with the following land tenure systems-
a. customary;
b. freehold;
c. mailo; and
d. leasehold.
4. On the coming into force of this Constitution-
a. all Uganda citizens owning land under customary tenure may acquire certificates of ownership in a manner prescribed by Parliament; and
b. land under customary tenure may be converted to freehold land ownership by registration.
… (Art. 237)
Customary Law
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- RECOGNIZING the customary and traditional leadership [chefferie] as [a] moral authority[,] depository of the customs and of the traditions in our society;
… (Preamble) - French
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RECONNAISSANT la chefferie coutumière et traditionnelle en tant qu’autorité morale dépositaire des coutumes et des traditions dans notre société;
… (Préambule)
Customary Law
- EnglishWe, the people of Eswatini, …Whereas it has become necessary to review the various constitutional documents, decrees, laws, customs and practices so as to promote good governance, the rule of law, respect for our institutions and the progressive development of the Eswatini society;Whereas it is necessary to blend the good institutions of traditional Law and custom with those of an open and democratic society so as to promote transparency and the social, economic and cultural development of our Nation;… (Preamble)
Customary Law
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(2) The Republic of Cameroon shall be a decentralized unitary State. It shall be one and indivisible, secular, democratic and dedicated to social service. It shall recognize and protect traditional values that conform to democratic principles, human rights and the law.
… (Art. 1) - French…
(2) La République du Cameroun est un Etat unitaire décentralisé. Elle est une et indivisible, laïque, démocratique et sociale. Elle reconnaît et protège les valeurs traditionnelles conformes aux principes démocratiques, aux droits de l’homme et à la loi. Elle assure l’égalité de tous les citoyens devant la loi.
… (Art. 1)