African Journal of Legal Studies

Scope & Guideline

Exploring the Nexus of Law and Society in Africa

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of African Journal of Legal Studies with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN2210-9730
PublisherBRILL
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 2004 to 2006, from 2008 to 2009, from 2011 to 2024
AbbreviationAFR J LEG STUD / Afr. J. Leg. Stud.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPLANTIJNSTRAAT 2, P O BOX 9000, 2300 PA LEIDEN, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The African Journal of Legal Studies aims to contribute to the understanding and development of legal frameworks in Africa by focusing on critical issues that affect the continent's legal landscape.
  1. Human Rights and Social Justice:
    The journal consistently explores themes surrounding human rights, social justice, and the legal frameworks that govern these issues, emphasizing the need for equitable access to justice in diverse African contexts.
  2. Comparative Legal Analysis:
    A significant focus is placed on comparative studies that analyze legal systems across different African countries, providing insights into the effectiveness and challenges of various legal practices.
  3. Gender and Legal Reforms:
    The journal dedicates attention to gender-related legal reforms, assessing their impact on women's rights and participation in governance, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive policies.
  4. Impact of Technology and Cybercrime:
    The exploration of cybercrime and the intersection of technology with legal practices is becoming increasingly relevant, reflecting the need to adapt legal frameworks to contemporary challenges.
  5. Environmental Law and Sustainability:
    Issues surrounding environmental protection, biodiversity, and the legal implications of land investments are core areas where the journal provides critical analysis and recommendations.
  6. Conflict Resolution and Legal Dilemmas:
    The journal addresses legal dilemmas arising from conflicts, both communal and international, focusing on the role of law in resolving disputes and promoting peace within affected regions.
Recent publications in the African Journal of Legal Studies indicate several emerging themes that reflect the evolving legal landscape in Africa, showcasing areas of increasing interest and relevance.
  1. Cybersecurity and Digital Rights:
    With the rise of technology, topics related to cybersecurity, digital rights, and the legal frameworks governing them are gaining traction, highlighting the need for updated laws in the digital age.
  2. Gender Equality and Empowerment:
    An increasing number of articles focus on gender equality, particularly in political representation and legal reforms, indicating a growing recognition of the importance of women's rights in governance.
  3. Environmental Law and Climate Justice:
    The journal is witnessing a surge in discussions surrounding environmental law, particularly in relation to climate change and its legal implications, underscoring the urgency of sustainable legal frameworks.
  4. Indigenous Rights and Land Law:
    There is a notable increase in publications addressing the rights of indigenous peoples and land law, reflecting broader discussions on land ownership, usage rights, and legal protections.
  5. Access to Justice and Legal Reform:
    Recent themes emphasize the barriers to accessing justice and the necessity for legal reforms that promote inclusivity and fairness in legal proceedings across Africa.

Declining or Waning

While the journal continues to explore a variety of legal themes, certain areas appear to be losing prominence over time, reflecting shifts in focus and research priorities.
  1. Traditional Cultural Practices and Law:
    There has been a noticeable decline in the exploration of traditional cultural practices within the legal context, possibly indicating a shift towards more contemporary legal challenges and frameworks.
  2. General Legal Education and Theory:
    Discussions on broad legal education theories and methodologies appear to be diminishing, as the journal increasingly emphasizes specific legal issues and case studies relevant to current African contexts.
  3. International Relations and Law:
    The focus on international relations as a standalone theme is waning, with more articles integrating these discussions into broader national legal issues rather than treating them as separate subjects.
  4. Criminal Law Theories:
    The analysis of criminal law theories, especially those not directly tied to contemporary issues such as cybercrime or human rights abuses, seems to be less frequent in recent publications.

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