Administration of Justice, Crime and Court Dispositions of Offenders in an African Kingdom - The Case of Swaziland Under British Rule, 1943-1968

• NCJ Number: 100315
• Journal: Indian Journal of Criminology Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (July 1985) Pages: 109-120
• Author(s): P E Igbinovia
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Historical Overview
• Language: English
• Country: India
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

This paper examines the nature and extent of crime and the processing of cases by the police and courts in Swaziland from 1943 until the end of British rule in 1968.

Abstract

During this time, the judicial system consisted of the Court of Appeal, the High Court, Subordinate Courts, and Swazi Courts, all of which had civil and criminal jurisdiction. Roman-Dutch common law was and continues to be the common law except where modified by statute. An examination of case data for these courts indicates that crimes against persons, thefts, and tax offenses were most common and that conviction rates were high (in the 90 percent range). During the colonial period, the Swaziland police were employed to maintain order, preserve peace, prevent and detect crime, and apprehend offenders. In these duties, they were very effective. For example, between 1947 and 1959, 96 percent of cases reported to the police were solved. Overall, data show that during this period crimes against persons were most common and that both apprehension and conviction rates were high. 2 notes, 7 tables, and 11 references.