The book examines the recognition of indigenous legal systems within national legal frameworks and their impact on self-determination and cultural preservation. For instance, the suppression of indigenous governance under colonial regimes reveals how national laws became tools of assimilation. Through case studies from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, the book illustrates diverse interactions between indigenous and national legal systems, covering land rights, family law, and dispute resolution.
Structured in three parts, the book first defines key concepts such as legal pluralism and customary law, then presents global case studies, and finally synthesizes findings. This comparative approach offers valuable insights into legal pluralism, making it an important resource for students, policymakers, and anyone interested in indigenous rights and social justice.