Coexistence between the Formal and Informal Justice Systems in Ethiopia: Challenges and Prospects

Though Ethiopia has never been colonized, the voluntary importation of European laws and the exercise in nation building has resulted in a situation whereby the formal and informal legal systems have to coexist in harmony or disharmony. Both systems are extant, though the future appears to be favourable for the prevalence of the formal system. This article argues that the informal system is showing signs of irrelevance and may be prevailed by the formal. It also counsels that the formal system should be helped to cleanse itself from the many shortcomings that are challenging its relevance and legitimacy.