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Kabila

Customary law

The unwritten rules a community has long followed and accepts as binding, covering matters such as marriage, land and disputes.

Also called: customary practice, traditional law

Customary law lives in practice and memory more than in books. It is applied by elders, chiefs or village councils. Many countries recognise it alongside state law for certain matters, as long as it does not conflict with basic rights.

Related words

Council of eldersElderSixth ScheduleSelf-determinationChief

Answers that use this word

Lessons that use this word

Seven peoples, once a week

Every Monday: seven peoples you may never have heard of, who they are and where they live.