The Igbo Indigenous Justice System
A specific variety of communitarian theory, African Communitarianism, requires specific obligations and interactions to provide just resolution after members of society have been harmed. In this reading, the justice system of the Igbbo people is described. Before colonialism, the Igbo people of northern Nigeria engaged in a form of governance that used concensus building, and participation (of primarily males) to resolve disputes. The theory also shares a belief in the preservation of human life, and individual rights, similar to the contractarianism of Locke. Consider how the Igbo justice system involves group membership in a way that can be compared and contrasted with other theories of justice we have studied.
CONCLUSION
This chapter reviewed the Igbo indigenous justice system from
restorative, transformative, and communitarian principles. In
line with Igbo worldviews, crime is viewed as a conflict between
community members. As primary stakeholders in the conflict,
victims, offenders, and the community are actively involved in
the definition of harm, and the crafting of solutions acceptable
to all stakeholders. The quality and effectiveness of justice are
measured through the well-being of victims and the community.
Conflict creates opportunities for the education, socialization,
and resocialization of victims, offenders, and all community
members. Conflict is also an opportunity for the re-evaluation
of community values and socioeconomic conditions. The Igbo
indigenous justice system is process-oriented, victim-centred, and
humane, and it applies persuasive and reintegrative principles in
adjudicating most cases brought to justice processes. The overall
goal of justice is restoration, not only of the victim, but also of the
community.