The Center for Khmer Studies welcomes Sally Low, PhD Researcher at the School of Law, University of Melbourne Australia to the CKS Lecture Series in Phnom Penh for a talk entitled:
Separating powers and strengthening colonial control:
Re-structuring of Cambodia's courts and laws,
1901 - 1924
Date: 24th July 2014
Time: 6 - 7 pm
Venue:
CKS Phnom Penh
234 Street 450
Tuol Tumpung II, Chamkamorn,
Phnom Penh
Please Confirm attendance by 23/7/2014
Email: puthea_sim[atmark]khmerstudies.org or call 023 991 937
Abstract:
There were great changes in the Cambodian courts and laws during the years from 1901 to 1924. The French Protectorate of Cambodia, with the cooperation of King Sisowath, re-organised Cambodian courts into a hierarchy that resembled that of French courts. Cambodian laws were codified in forms that resembled French legal codes. During that time, judicial and administrative roles were gradually separated.
Sally will discuss this process and its significance, in the context of debates about the legacy left by European colonisation. Some scholars argue that colonial powers only used law to establish and to justify colonial rule, not to encourage concepts of democracy or to uphold the rights of less powerful people. Further, they argue that the legacy of colonial law was a collection of ‘alien ideologies and institutions.’ However, other scholars argue that laws and courts established by European colonisers had several different impacts. Yes, law was used to establish and to justify European control, but anti-colonial nationalists sometimes also used western legal ideals and courts to challenge colonial domination. Further, some oppressed groups within colonised societies gained protection from colonial courts. Using these debates, her research examines the legal legacy of the French Protectorate in Cambodia (1863-1953).
Sally Low has worked in international development since 1993, when she first came to Cambodia as a volunteer. Since then she has continued to visit Cambodia and she worked here again during 2008-9. Sally has worked on law and development projects in Indonesia, Vietnam and Vanuatu. She has co-authored two articles about donor assistance to the law and justice sector of Cambodia. Academic qualifications include: BA, LLB (hons), Macquarie University and LLM, University of Melbourne.
Please visit our website for further information.
http://khmerstudies.org/events/public-lecture-series/
