ABSTRACT
IT T may be taken as an axiom that tribal custom and law Jl presuppose the existence of a very definite-if elasticorganisation of tribes, sub-tribes, groups or families, each unit having its own head, who acts automatically as magistrate, peacemaker, or juryman. In addition to these heads or sheikhs there will invariably be found other old men, who are recognised owing to their age, experience, or wisdom as assistant magistrates, or who may be called upon to give evidence on oath as to precedent or procedure adopted in similar known cases years ago.
