Introduction -- The Interactions of State and Non-State Legal Norms -- Normative Systems and Actors in Tension -- Child Witchcraft Occurrences and Maltreatments -- Religion, Law, and Same-sex Relationships -- Conclusion.
Summary:
"Applying a legal pluralist framework, this study examines the complex interrelationships between religion, law, and politics in contemporary Ghana, a professedly secular state characterised by high levels of religiousity. It aims to explore legal, cultural and moral tensions created by overlapping loci of authority (state actors, traditional leaders and religious functionaries). It contends that religion can function as an impediment to Ghana's secularity and also serve as an integral tool for realising the state's legal ideals and meeting international human rights standards. Using three case studies - legal tensions, child witchcraft accusations, and same-sex partnerships - the study illustrates the ways that the entangled and complicated connexions between religion and law compound Ghana's secular orientation. It suggests that legal pluralism is not a mere analytical framework for describing tensions, but ought to be seen as part of the solution. The study contributes to advancing knowledge in the area of the interrelationships between religion and law in contemporary African public domain"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.