CHAPTER 16:01
CUSTOMARY LAW

ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

    SECTION

    1.    Short title

    2.    Interpretation

    3.    Customary law to be applied in proper cases

    4.    Customary law to be applied in certain civil cases and proceedings between tribesmen

    5.    Application of customary law in accordance with an agreement

    6.    Special provision relating to custody of children

    7.    Special provision in relation to intestate succession

    8.    Special provision in relation to claims arising out of personal injuries and death

    9.    Legal capacity of tribesmen

    10.    Conflict of customary laws

    11.    Ascertainment of customary law

    12.    Certain statements to be prima facie evidence of the customary law

    13.    Saving

Act 51, 1969.

An Act to provide for the application of customary law in certain actions before the courts of Botswana, to facilitate the ascertainment of customary law and to provide for matters ancillary thereto.

[Date of Commencement: 22nd August, 1969]

1.    Short title

    This Act may be cited as the Customary Law Act.

2.    Interpretation

    In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires—

    "common law" means any law, whether written or unwritten, in force in Botswana, other than customary law;

    "customary law" means, in relation to any particular tribe or tribal community, the customary law of that tribe or community so far as it is not incompatible with the provisions of any written law or contrary to morality, humanity or natural justice;