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1.	African Legal philosophy

Legal philosophy herein referred to as ALP is one of the oldest philosophies that is still developing. ALP unlike Western philosophies which were documented was not documented but has managed to survive. That is changing with time as in recent times there is proof of written tradition of ALP. The reason for the late documentation of ALP is colonialism. Most countries in Africa were colonies and observed and practiced the laws of the colonial masters which are mainly based in Europe.

2.	Nature of African legal philosophy One of the oldest questions is what ALP is all about. Certain people that are of a Eurocentric viewpoint are of the view that ALP does not exist purely because there is no tradition of it being documented and that it owes its origin from communal thinking to which African philosophers such as Kaphagawani have responded to, by pointing out that all Western philosophies were also not written down and also came from communal thinking. Other attitudes towards ALP is that it is impossible to determine the content and substance and the third attitude is that ALP is not really different from Western legal philosophy, based for example on the African debate between law and morality. The last attribute is that there is a distinctive African philosophy of law. Philosophers like Oruka argue that ALP does not need to follow Western patterns in order to be regarded as philosophy, but is different in the way it reflects on human life and nature in intuitive ways. 3.	Types of African legal philosophy Africa is a big continent and it consisting of many philosophers which cannot be expected to have the same approach or method. In LJU4801 we examine 3 methods. The first philosophy is Ethnophilosophy, which is philosophy based on communal thought and collective wisdom which is transferred orally. The second method is Sage philosophy, which is based on the idea of a single person. It is concerned with the thoughts of the individuals who are concerned with fundamental ethical and legal issues of their society and who have the ability to offer insightful solutions of his society. The third method of Nationalistic ideological philosophy which attempts to produce a unique political theory based on traditional African socialism. According to this method African philosophers have a political role to play and should indicate the best options of social and political organization for the African conditions  This kind of philosophy is closely related to ideas like Black Consciousness.

Themes of African legal philosophy

The anthological question in African legal philosophy (what is the nature of what exist) and the epistemological question of (how do we know this) is based on the fact that religion, ethics and law are closely intertwined. There is very little separating religion from social, political and economic issues.

Communitarianism Is based on the importance and significance of the family in African societies. It not only refers to the typical Western nuclear family, but includes the extended family as well as the ancestors. The community is always regarded as more important than the individual.

Reconciliation

Is the view that law is held to be a conciliatory instrument for the restoration of social equilibrium.

Ubuntu

Speaks of the very essence of being human. In general Ubuntu means humanity, humanness, morality and compassion. The concept has prominence in South Africa but can be found in all African Languages. This theme influences our courts and can be viewed as a legal philosophical concept and it has endured criticism as a philosophy.

Conclusion

African Legal Philosophy should be understood in the context of Africa and its people.