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Crime and Punishment in Ethiopia: A Country Profile

NCJ Number
235211
Journal
International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice Volume: 35 Issue: 2 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 167-187
Author(s)
Ashley G. Blackburn; Meredith Matthews
Date Published
May 2011
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article provides an overview of Ethiopia's justice system.
Abstract
Ethiopia is a country with a long and tumultuous history. Centuries of political instability, civil unrest, and poverty have left their mark on the African nation. Over the past two decades the new Ethiopian Government has propelled the nation in a progressive direction. While problems continue to plague the Ethiopian people, particularly political unrest, Ethiopia has made improvements related to law and justice well beyond most other African countries. This article profiles the country of Ethiopia and the components of its justice system. The ways in which different crimes and punishments are defined are discussed and each component of the justice system is described in both a historical and current context. As the reader will see, Ethiopia has taken great strides to conform to international standards. Although there is still improvement to be had, Ethiopia has certainly advanced itself as a country with much potential. (Published Abstract)