ABSTRACT
The annual per capita income of $300, which makes Haiti the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, demonstrates the reality of living conditions for most people. The structural weakness of the productive system has made it extremely vulnerable to all the variations in international markets. This weakness has accentuated outside domination and dependence, principally with regard to the United States, a reality that has reached such a high point that the national operating budget depends for more than half its existence on foreign aid. The section chief, who enjoys almost limitless power, is the incarnation of the entire system of domination of rural society. He fulfills the functions of police, justice of the peace, civil servant, notary, and representative of the civil government. The judicial sector has remained dependent on all the political decisions made under Duvalierism with regard to its place in state-citizen and state/civil-society relations.
