Main Article Content
Muslim Rulers, Justice and Politics In Cameroon During French Colonialism
Abstract
This paper addresses the challenges faced by the Muslim Precolonial
legal system during French colonialism in Cameroon. More specifically, it analyses the transformations of Muslim judicial system in a new environment characterized by the interplay between the Muslim legal system and the French colonial, secular justice system. It shows how these two justice systems were intertwined and developed into a complex and entangled judicial arena. The Muslim legal justice lost its
original autonomy, became weak and the Muslim Rulers (Laamibee and Sultans) found their judicial power and position more symbolic than real. Laamibee and Sultans certainly continued to perfom some of their former judicial duties, but they became auxiliaries of the State administrative structure and were under the control of the secular political system. The space of justice changed and the actors became numerous. The system of justice experienced a new way of being. Despite this deep crisis, some Muslim Rulers developed strategies to maintain and/or increase their judicial power and influence.
legal system during French colonialism in Cameroon. More specifically, it analyses the transformations of Muslim judicial system in a new environment characterized by the interplay between the Muslim legal system and the French colonial, secular justice system. It shows how these two justice systems were intertwined and developed into a complex and entangled judicial arena. The Muslim legal justice lost its
original autonomy, became weak and the Muslim Rulers (Laamibee and Sultans) found their judicial power and position more symbolic than real. Laamibee and Sultans certainly continued to perfom some of their former judicial duties, but they became auxiliaries of the State administrative structure and were under the control of the secular political system. The space of justice changed and the actors became numerous. The system of justice experienced a new way of being. Despite this deep crisis, some Muslim Rulers developed strategies to maintain and/or increase their judicial power and influence.
