The Politics of Legal Pluralism: Navigating Custom, Religion, and State Law in Multicultural Societies
Keywords:
legal pluralism, multiculturalism, customary law, religious law, state sovereignty, governanceAbstract
The objective of this article is to examine the political dynamics of legal pluralism by exploring how customary, religious, and state legal systems intersect in multicultural societies. This study adopts a narrative review methodology grounded in a descriptive analytical approach. Sources were collected from academic publications, peer-reviewed journals, and monographs published between 2018 and 2024, covering law, political science, anthropology, and sociology. The analysis involved identifying patterns and thematic discussions related to the coexistence and contestations among different legal orders. Key topics investigated include the historical evolution of legal pluralism, comparative state engagement with multiple legal frameworks, and the intersections of custom and religion with statutory law. The review reveals that legal pluralism is deeply influenced by colonial legacies, postcolonial nation-building, and the pursuit of inclusive governance. States navigate diverse strategies of integration, accommodation, and hybrid legal structures to manage conflicting or overlapping authorities. Common challenges include conflicts of jurisdiction, forum shopping, gender inequities, and human rights tensions affecting women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ communities. Despite these complications, legal pluralism can serve as a vehicle for cultural recognition and legal innovation, provided that careful oversight and inclusive policy processes are adopted. The evidence underscores that legal pluralism is a dynamic and politically charged phenomenon, reflecting broader debates over power, legitimacy, and social cohesion. Effective governance of multiple legal orders requires balancing respect for communal autonomy with the imperative to uphold universal rights. Future trajectories will likely hinge on the ability of policymakers, legal actors, and communities to craft context-sensitive reforms that enhance both diversity and equity.
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