Indigenous legal knowledge systems in Tunisia are under-researched despite their significant role in local law practice. This study employed ethnographic methods and participant observation to gather data from diverse sources including court records, community consultations, and interviews with legal practitioners. Quantitative analysis of case studies was also conducted. Indigenous knowledge systems significantly shape the jurisprudence in specific areas such as family law and dispute resolution mechanisms, influencing rulings and societal practices in approximately 40% of cases studied. The integration of indigenous legal knowledge systems into formal Tunisian legal frameworks is essential for achieving more culturally relevant justice outcomes. Legal education curricula should incorporate indigenous legal knowledge systems to prepare future practitioners who can better serve diverse client groups. Policy makers are encouraged to develop mechanisms that facilitate the recognition and validation of these systems in law practice. Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Tunisian Law Practice, Action Research
Belkadi et al. (Sat,) studied this question.