Ashanti Legal Codes by Michael Davis

Ashanti Legal Codes explores the sophisticated legal system of the pre-colonial Ashanti kingdom, demonstrating its advanced approach to justice, governance, and conflict resolution. The book highlights how the Ashanti maintained order and social cohesion through customary law, challenging simplistic views of pre-colonial African societies. Intriguingly, the Ashanti used adinkra symbols as visual representations of legal principles, showcasing a unique form of legal documentation. The legal framework also heavily relied on the council of elders in judicial proceedings, emphasizing community involvement in dispute resolution. The book argues that the Ashanti legal system prioritized reconciliation and community harmony.

It begins by introducing the fundamentals of Ashanti customary law, then delves into the meaning and application of adinkra symbols. Next, it examines the structure and function of the Ashanti council system. Finally, the book explores various conflict resolution methods, demonstrating how disputes were handled at different levels of society, ultimately emphasizing the relevance of Ashanti legal principles for contemporary legal systems and offering valuable insights into alternative approaches to justice within History World, World History, and Politics.