Justice

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 documents were added in March 2010:

• Singh, A., ed., 2009, ‘Strengthening Governance Through Access to Justice’, PHI Learning, New Dehli
• Ismail, O. and Hendrickson, D., 2009, ‘What is the Case for a Security and Justice Focus in Development Assistance Programming?:  An Assessment of Existing Literature and Evidence’, Prepared for DFID on behalf of GFN-SSR, University of Birmingham
• GSDRC, 2009, ‘Donor Support to Non-state Providers of Security and Justice’, Helpdesk Research Report, GSDRC, Birmingham
• Laplante, L.J., 2008, 'Transitional Justice and Peace Building: Diagnosing and Addressing the Socioeconomic Roots of Violence through a Human Rights Framework', International Journal of Transitional Justice, vol. 2, no. 3, pp. 331-355
• Musila, G.M., 2009, 'Options for Transitional Justice in Kenya: Autonomy and the Challenge of External Prescriptions ', International Journal of Transitional Justice, vol. 3, no. 3, pp. 445-464
• Grodsky, B., 2009, 'International Prosecutions and Domestic Politics: The Use of Truth Commissions as Compromise Justice in Serbia and Croatia', International Studies Review, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 687 - 706

New additions