Overview

‘What Happened?’ addresses the thorny issue of truth in law, within the context of Muslim societies. The truth, in legal terms, is the version of 'what happened' which carries most authority. This original and thought-provoking book looks at how this narrative is constructed in Muslim societies, and which truths are privileged over others in constructing it. In marriage courts in Egypt for example the truth is deemed to be a version of events that is acceptable to both parties. Looking at a range of contrasting case studies, from Sharia courts to inquiries into police abuse, this book book explores how ordinary stories are transformed into authoritative truths. The case studies are situated in the framework of wider debates about truth, law and power in Middle Eastern societies.

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9781845111878

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"""A pioneering work..both important and fascinating, on which future studies will undoubtedly be built"" - Werner Mernski, Professor of South Asian Laws, School of Oriental and African Studies, London"

A pioneering work..both important and fascinating, on which future studies will undoubtedly be built - Werner Mernski, Professor of South Asian Laws, School of Oriental and African Studies, London

Author Information

Baudouin Dupret is a tenured research fellow at the CNRS, Paris. He has written and edited numerous works, including 'Standing Trial: Law and Person in the Middle East'.

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