Administration of Justice under the Judicial Organization Laws of Cameroon

Abstract

This paper analyses the exercise of judicial power in Cameroon since the coming into force of the Unitary Constitution of 2 June 19721 and the Judicial Organization Ordinance of the same year.2 It points out the various difficulties and shortcomings in the administration of justice in Cameroon, given that by Article 37 of the Constitution, justice shall be adminis- tered in the territory of the Republic in the name of the people of Cameroon and judicial power is to be exercised by the Supreme Court, Courts of Appeal and Tribunals.3 In under- taking the analysis on the administration of justice since the amendments of the various laws on judicial organization, the paper points out the objectives of decentralization of the justice system and considers whether the desire of the government to bring justice nearer to the people has been attained.