$301 om slo Faunder(2006, Should ustce reform projects take honstate sie stems serous? Pesspectivs om at Areca, OD (2008, Bien: Non-stte justice and Secu systems Penal efor ern ona 2000), Aces to justice n sb Sataran Ac: the oof tradona axed informal justice tes 2 Inteatena Cunt on Haman Fights Policy 2000, Eokancing cass tafman ight Chapter characteris of nfrmal tice Systems 6 Chapter 3: Characteristics of Informal Justice Systems ‘There are many informal ustice systems within one country and it soften not possible to give a characterisation of a system that can be safely generalized across one country, let alone the world, They do however often share many common features. ‘This chapter will provide an overview of some of the common characteristics of informal justice sysems and highlight some of their strengths and weaknesses. Key features of selected informal dispute resolution mechanisms are provided in Annex 1 Common characteristics of informal justice systems” (©The problem is viewed as eating to the whole community as.a group ~ there is strong consideration for the collective interests at stake in disputes: Decisions are based on a process of consultation; Theres an emphasis on reconciliation and restoring social harmony; Arbitrators are appointed from within the community on the basis of status or lineage; There's often a high degree of public participation; The rules of evidence and procedure are flexible; Thereis no professional legal representation; The process is voluntary and the decision is based on agreement; They have a high level of acceptance and legitimacy; Thereis no distinction between criminal and civil cases, informal justice systems often deal with both; © Often there is no seperation between informal ustice systems and local governance structures — a person who exercises judicial authority through an informal justice system ‘may also have executive authority over the same property o tetitory ‘© Enforcement of decisions is secured through social pressure, The folowing section will discuss the strengths and weaknesses identified with informal justice systems. Strengths CE Proceedings are usually conducted inthe local language and follow local customs, therefore peopleare less likely to be intimidated in these settings. The informal processis usually much ‘simpler than formal legal proceedings. For example in East Timor there are around 17 diferent languages. The lack of sufficient translation facilities in the formal justice system continues to create problems during hearings. The informal systems proceedings, on the other hand, are aay heard in the local language of the area, In countries that were colonized, customary laws and practices were subordinated to roman ‘or common law systems, ora combination of both. Therefore inmany ofthe counties where such systems are prevalent the majority ofthe population may ee the formal justice system as something foreign to themas compared tothe customs with which they are fail.”