From Unwritten to Written: Transformation of Jieeng Customary Law into Qanun Wanh-alel

Abstract

This paper is a case-study on Qanun Wanh-alel ‒ a customary law of the Western Jieeng enacted in 1975 to regulate offences that occur commonly in their jurisdictions. These include homicide, which has become the most common offence in recent times, elopement and premarital impregnation. The overarching aim in enacting Qanun Wanh-alel was to have a codified Jieeng customary law, although it has not been applied uniformly. This is especially clear in the case of blood compensation for homicide which varies across these communities.