|
Lesotho law is a combination of British law, Roman Dutch law and Basotho law. The laws of Lesotho include written as well as oral conventional laws. The written laws of the country are popularly known as ‘Laws of Lerotholi’, which were scripted in the year 1883. However, after the introduction of the ‘Independence Order’ in the year of 1996, incorporation of those laws that went against the Basotho constitution were abolished.
The other laws of Lesotho can be implemented as long as the Parliament of Lesotho passes bill to change the same. Though the ‘Independence Order’ has been abolished, the South African laws of racial discrimination have not been included in the Lesotho law. There was no restriction on the implementation of South African laws after 1970 in Lesotho.
The Lesotho land law is one of the most important laws practiced in the country. According to the land law, nobody can possess private lands in Lesotho. The trade law of Lesotho states that traders who abide by the rules set up by the colonial government and the Lesotho Paramount Chief, are allowed to carry on their trade in the country.
Initially, the Lesotho Constitution was solely based on the British law model, incorporating certain rules of district councils and village association system. The chief of the village had the power of giving the final verdict in any case. But at the national level, the power was given to the Lesotho Parliament.
High Court is the highest court of appeal in Lesotho. The Chief Justice is appointed by the monarch on the Prime Minister’s advice. The other courts of Lesotho are the Court of Appeal, customary or traditional court and the Magistrate Courts. Compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations is accepted by the judicial review of legislative acts in High Court and Court of Appeal.
A well-known law firm of Lesotho is Webber Newdigate Kingsway. It deals with laws related to Corporate and Business, Employment and Labor, Environment, Litigation, Property and Real Estate. The law firm is on the 2nd floor of Metropolitan Life Building, Kingsway, Lesotho.
|
