Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the history of Rwandan law. It explains its development through three key phases: Pre-colonial, colonial, and independent Rwanda. The book also discusses the systems of Gacaca, Abunzi, and Imihigo as homegrown legal concepts and solutions. It explains about international law in Rwanda. The book provides the process of creating, incorporating, and positioning international law in the country’s legal system. It describes the contribution of the International Criminal Tribunal to Rwanda as well as that of domestic courts in prosecuting and punishing genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The book analyses the organization, jurisdiction, and functioning of courts in Rwanda. It summarizes the law regulating the organization and functioning of the Judiciary in Rwanda as well as that determining the jurisdiction of courts.