Bechuanaland Protectorate was a
British protectorate established in 1885, which became the
Republic of Botswana in 1966. The Protectorate's legal system was heavily influenced by
Roman-Dutch law, inherited through the
Cape Colony. Additionally,
English common law also shaped the system, particularly in relation to
criminal and
evidence law.
Customary law existed alongside colonial statutes but it lacked formal recognition until later. Appeals from courts in Bechauanaland were directly made to the
Privy Council. It was modeled after the
Supreme Court of South Africa. In 1954, a court of appeal was established for appeals from Botswana,
Lesotho, and
Swaziland. In 1966, the
Constitution of Botswana established the Court of Appeal. The final appeals to the Privy Council from the Court were continued till 1973. Once the Privy Council's jurisdiction was curtailed, the Court became the final court of appeal in Botswana. ==Judges==