Ethiopian Customary Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: Forms of Restorative Justice?

Abstract

This article examines the potential customary dispute resolution mechanisms in Ethiopia have for incorporating the ideals and principles of restorative justice into the country’s justice system. Following a brief description of what customary dispute resolution mechanisms consist of, the author analyzes the legal jurisdiction these resolution mechanisms have in Ethiopia in resolving criminal matters. He then explores whether these mechanisms are compatible with the values and principles of restorative justice and finds that they are.