H o m e p a g e o f t h e B o o k
The Law of the Somalis
A Stable Foundation for Economic Development In the Horn of Africa
Michael van Notten
Edited by Spencer Heath MacCallum
Copyright © 2005 Isabelle van Notten and Spencer H. MacCallum
To the rightfully proud and independent people of Somalia
Red Sea Press
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Written by a trained and sympathetic observer, this book shows how Somali customary law differs fundamentally from most statutory law. Lawbreakers, instead of being punished, are simply required to compensate their victim. Because every Somali is insured by near kin against his or her liabilities under the law, a victim seldom fails to receive compensation. Somali law, being based on custom, has no need of legislation or legislators. It is therefore happily free of political influences. The author notes some specific areas that stand in need of change, but finds such change already implicit in further economic development. Somali politics is based on consensus. The author explains how it works and shows why any attempt to establish democracy, which would divide the population into two classes-those who rule and those who are ruled-must inevitably produce chaos. Viewed in global perspective, Somali law stands with the Latin and Medieval laws and the English common law against the statutory law that became prominent in Europe with the modern nationstate. This book explains many seeming anomalies about present-day Somalia and describes its prospects as well as the dangers facing it.
Born in Zeist, the Netherlands, MICHAEL VAN NOTTEN (1933-2002) graduated from Leiden University in Law and was admitted into practice in Rotterdam. Following the demise of central government in Somalia, he anticipated that Somalia might take its place in the world as a stateless society. Marrying into the Samaron clan, he promoted economic development in Awdal for the last twelve years of his life. he became a careful observer of Somali customary law and a keen analyst of the intricacies of clan politics.
SPENCER HEATH MACCALLUM is a social anthropologist living in Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico, where he played a central role in the economic development of the village of Mata Ortiz, now known internationally for its fine-art pottery. He has long studied the feasibility of social organization without taxation. He is the author of THE ART OF COMMUNITY and numerous journal articles.
Contents
Part I -- The Law
- Introduction
- Methodology and Terminology (saved area)
- The Somali Mind Set (saved area)
- The Somali System of Law (saved area)
- Rules of Conduct (saved area)
- Rendering Justice (saved area)
- Contacts with Foreign Law (saved area)
- Economics (saved area)
- Politics (saved area)
Part II -- Evaluation
- Strengths and Weaknesses of the Law (saved area)
- Directions for Growth in the Law (saved area)
- Dangers (saved area)
- Summary and Conclusion (saved area)
Part III -- Economic Development
- Prospects (saved area)
- The Freeport-Clan (saved area)
Appendices
- Case Law (saved area)
- What is Kritarchy? - Frank van Dun (saved area)
- Proposed Membership Agreement for a Freeport-Clan - Spencer MacCallum and Michael van Notten (saved area)
- Guide to the Spelling of Somali - Mauro Tosco (saved area)
- Somalia: A Brief Chronology
Index
Spencer H. MacCallum
Postal address:
713 W. Spruce #48,
Deming NM 88030Residence:
Avenida Victoria #17, Casas Grandes,
Chihuahua, Mexico 31850USA phone:
915-261-0502
(rings in Mexico)
Kassahun Checole, Publisher
Reviews
Norbert Lennartz, Journal of Libertarian Studies, Issue 21.2
Yumi Kim, lewrockwell.com
Wolfgang Kasper, "Recht ohne Staat", CNE-Monatsmagazin, 2006/08
"Der Grund für die hartnäkige Demokratiemission in Somalia sei, daß ein steuerfreies, kritarchisches Somalia in ganz Afrika und der Welt Schule machen könte. Millionen Politiker müssen dann im Wettbewerb des Privatsektors Jobs suchen und könnten nicht mehr bequem von politischen Renten leben! Man denke nur an den außerordendlichen Druck, den die Europäische Union und die OECD auf Lichtenstein und die Schweiz ausgeübt haben, weil deren Bankgesetze Geldvermögen Privater besser schützten und das Steuerkartell unterminierten. Und nun stelle man sich ein Steuerparadies und ein Bankzentrum Somalia vor, wo es nicht einmal eine Regierung gibt, die man politisch erpressen kann!"
Related Links
Somalia, Government Somalia After State Collapse: Chaos or Improvement?
The Independent Institute, 2006Benjamin Powell, Ryan Ford, Alex Nowrasteh Somalia, Overview Ancap Mog Bryce Bigwood Somalia, History The Civil War In Somalia Bryce Bigwood Somalia The Answer for Africa Shafer Parker Somalia Somalia and Anarchy Jim Davidson, 2001 Somalia A Dying Dream Joshua Holmes Somalia Anarchy In Northern Somalia Somalia FROM NATION-STATE TO STATELESS NATION: THE SOMALI EXPERIENCE Michael van Notten Somalia Anarchy and Invention - How Does Somalia's Private Sector Cope without Government? Tatiana Nenova and Tim Harford Somalia Whither Somaliland? - Comments on the Self-Portrait Frank Douglas Heath Somalia Eye on the Empire - Is Somalia a Model Alan Bock Spencer MacCallum, Realization of a stateless society Report About Spencer MacCallum Jeff Chan Realization of a stateless society From Upstate New York to the Horn of Africa
Liberty, April 2005, Volume 19, Number 5Spencer H. MacCallum Major investment, export-import and other strategic business opportunities and contacts, basic information for conducting business in the country Somalia Business and Investment Opportunities Yearbook International Business Publications, USA This yearbook contains basic information on export-import, investment and business opportunities in the respected country. Provides information on government structure, economy, business climate, regulations, and more... Includes basic statistics, information on the most important business contacts and business travel. Updated annually. On the Development of Real Estate Markets and Land Use Regulation The Enterprise of Community: Market Competition, Land, and Environment Spencer H. MacCallum On the Development of Real Estate Markets and Land Use Regulation The Quickening of Social Evolution Spencer H. MacCallum, 2004 Somalia A Peaceful Ferment in Somalia Spencer H. MacCallum, 1998 Somalia, Economy Somalia: Economy Without State
Indiana Unversity Press, 2003Peter D. Little Somalia, Economy Better Off Stateless: Somalia Before and After government Collapse Peter T. Leeson Somalia, Rule of Law, Wealth The Rule of Law without the State Spencer Heath MacCallum, 2007
Other Links
Sulair: Africa South of the Sahara - Somalia / Somaliland on the Internet
HAFZA - Horn of Africa Free Zone Autorithy
The Somali Civic Web - A Virtual "Shir" in Cyberspace
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