Customary land in Solomon Islands: a victim of legal pluralism

Summary

In Solomon Islands, as well as throughout the South Pacific, land is a fundamental facet of traditional culture. Customary land in most South Pacific constitutions is acknowledged and protected, with ownership rights often being restricted to indigenous citizens, as in Solomon Islands. This article explores the effects the plural nature of society has on the protection of customary land in practice in
Solomon Islands and discusses relevant case law and legislation as well as their interactions with customary law.