A democratic society is rule based. Conflicts are resolved in a peaceful manner. Above all, the parties to a dispute must have faith in the institution created for fair arbitration.
Legitimacy is a clear test.
This survey demonstrates the dilemma of the Local Courts in Zambia. Customary law itself remains in a state of flux. The degree of neglect by the government of the infrastructure of the Local Courts is disappointing. The much talked about autonomy of the judicature remains a myth. Concentration of resources and decision making is still a preserve of the central administration in Lusaka.