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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(1) The laws of Sierra Leone shall comprise—
a. this Constitution;
b. laws made by or under the authority of Parliament as established by this Constitution;
c. any orders, rules, regulations and other statutory instruments made by any person or authority pursuant to a power conferred in that behalf by this Constitution or any other law;
d. the existing law; and
e. the common law.
(2) The common law of Sierra Leone shall comprise the rules of law generally known as the common law, the rules of law generally known as the doctrines of equity, and the rules of customary law including those determined by the Superior Court of Judicature.
(3) For the purposes of this section the expression “customary law” means the rules of law which by custom are applicable to particular communities in Sierra Leone.
… (Sec. 170)
Customary Law
- EnglishThe State recognizes the traditional leadership [chefferie] as the depositary of customary authority. As such, it participates in the administration of the territory of the Republic in the conditions determined by the law.
The traditional leadership is held to a strict obligation of neutrality and reserve. It is protected against any abuse of power tending to divert it from the role conferred on it by the law. (Art. 167) - FrenchL’Etat reconnaît la chefferie traditionnelle comme dépositaire de l’autorité coutumière. A ce titre, elle participe à l’administration du territoire de la République dans les conditions déterminées par la loi.
La chefferie traditionnelle est tenue à une stricte obligation de neutralité et de réserve. Elle est protégée contre tout abus de pouvoir tendant à la détourner du rôle que lui confère la loi. (Art. 167)
Customary Law
- EnglishEthnic and cultural communities shall have the right to freely enjoy and develop their particular cultures. Members of such communities shall have the right to practice their beliefs, use their languages, observe their religions and raise their children within the context of their respective cultures and customs in accordance with this Constitution and the law. (Art. 33)
Customary Law
- EnglishIn addition to this Constitution, the laws of The Gambia consist of—
…
(e) customary law so far as concerns members of the communities to which it applies;
… (Sec. 7)
Customary Law
- English(1) INgwenyama is the traditional head of the Swazi State and is chosen by virtue of the rank and character of his mother in accordance with Swazi law and custom.
(2) INgwenyama enjoys the same legal protection and immunity from legal suit or process as the King.
(3) Subject to an elaborate system of advisory councils, the functions of iNgwenyama under this chapter15 shall be regulated by Swazi law and custom. (Sec. 228)
Customary Law
- English…
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
- English…
(4) Female circumcision is a cruel and degrading customary practice, and is tantamount to torture. The circumcision of girls is prohibited.
… (Art. 15) - Somali…
(4) Gudniinka gabdhaha waa caado naxariis-darro iyo xaqiraad u dhiganta jirdil. Gudniinka gabdhaha waa reeban yahay.
… (Qodobka 15aad.)
Customary Law
- English...
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;
…
12. Nothing contained in or done under the authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of—
…
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
- EnglishThe law establishes the rules concerning:
…
– the procedure following which customs [coutumes] are declared and harmonized with the fundamental principles of the Constitution;
… (Art. 84) - FrenchLa loi fixe les règles concernant :
...
- la procédure selon laquelle les coutumes seront constatées et mises en harmonie avec les principes fondamentaux de la Constitution ;
... (Art. 84)
Customary Law
- English
The traditional chieftaincy is represented by the National Chamber of Traditional Kings and Chiefs. The National Chamber of Traditional Kings and Chiefs is the Institution regrouping all the traditional Kings and Chiefs of Côte d'Ivoire.
It is notably responsible for:
- the valorization of habits and customs;
- the promotion of the ideals of peace, of development and of social cohesion;
- the non-jurisdictional settlement of conflicts within villages and between communities.
The traditional chieftaincy participates, within the conditions determined by a law, in the administration of the territory. (Art. 175) - French
La chefferie traditionnelle est représentée par la Chambre nationale des Rois et Chefs traditionnels. La Chambre nationale des Rois et Chefs traditionnels est l’Institution regroupant tous les Rois et Chefs traditionnels de Côte d’Ivoire.
Elle est chargée notamment:
- de la valorisation des us et coutumes ;
- de la promotion des idéaux de paix, de développement et de cohésion sociale ;
- du règlement non juridictionnel des conflits dans les villages et entre les communautés.
La chefferie traditionnelle participe, dans les conditions déterminées par une loi, à l’administration du territoire. (Art. 175)