Justice

How to use this guide

This topic guide can be read online using the links to its sections above. The full guide can also be downloaded as a PDF (57 pages; 600 KB).

The guide includes one-paragraph summaries of key texts. Clicking on the link in a document title will take the reader to a second, longer summary of the document. Direct links to the original text are also given.

About this guide

This topic guide provides an introduction to development assistance in the justice sector. As well as being an important aim in itself, an accessible and effective justice sector is essential for development in a number of ways. Security of property and protection of assets are vital to support the livelihoods of the poor. Access to legal protection can help the poor resolve disputes, and secure their rights to engage in political processes and access services. In addition, effective justice institutions can form part of the enabling environment for economic growth.

This topic guide was prepared by Joanna Crichton, Zoë Scott and Huma Haider. The GSDRC appreciates the contributions of Laure-Hélène Piron, Department for International Development (DFID) and Vivienne O'Connor, United States Institute of Peace (USIP). Comments, questions or documents for consideration should be sent to Huma Haider.

Latest additions

The following document summaries were added in February 2012:

• Coburn, N., 2011, 'The Politics of Dispute Resolution and Continued Instability in Afghanistan', Special Report, United States Institute of Peace, Washington DC
• Dukalskis, A., 2011, 'Interactions in Transition: How Truth Commissions and Trials Complement or Constrain Each Other', International Studies Review, vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 432-451
• Fischer, M., 2011, 'Transitional Justice and Reconciliation: Theory and Practice', in ‘Advancing Conflict Transformation: The Berghof Handbook II’ eds. B. Austin, M. Fischer, H.J. Giessmann, Barbara Budrich Publishers, Opladen/Framington Hills, pp. 406-430
• International IDEA, 2011, 'Constitution Building After Conflict: External Support to a Sovereign Process', Policy Paper, International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, Stockholm
• Leftwich, A., 2011, 'The Political Approach to the Law and Justice Sector', Think piece prepared for the Office of Development Effectiveness, AusAID

New additions