Comprehensive Legal and Judicial Development : Toward an Agenda for a Just and Equitable Society in the 21st Century

The World Bank'sGlobal Conference on Comprehensive Legal and Judicial Development in June 2000 offered an unprecedented opportunity to exchange views on reform, to compare results achieved and lessons learned, and to discuss the need for revised agendas and new goals for the future. This report comprises selections from that forum and includes the following topics: which addressed the following questions: What are the elements for a successful legal and judicial system? What alternatives exist for holding governments accountable? Can laws and institutions give voice to the poor? what informal mechanisms exist for dispute resolution and contract enforcement? What conditions are necessary for the judiciary to curb corruption? How do the media support the reform process? What conditions are necessary for an independent yet accountable judiciary? How does legal training improve participation in the reform process? How does global knowledge sharing foster civil society participation? How can effective strategies be developed for law and justice programs? Included is ann an%Included is an an epilogue by Dr. Mamphela Ramphele entitled, "Perceptions of the Rule of Law in Transitional Strategies." Author biographies follow.