Gypsy Justice versus Gadjé Law: Interrelations of Difference

Territories in Question: Routes in Territories
By Judith Okely
English

Rather than any classical contrast and comparison, the article demonstrates interrelations of differences with emphasis on agency and external institutions of law enforcement as a resource. The non-Gypsy (gorgio)/ individual or group system is often used to settle internal disputes among Traveller-Gypsies. The outsiders’ system, while representing centuries of sedentarist and racist persecution, may be open to manipulation. The Traveller-Gypsies additionally have relatively independent, appropriate means of settling conflicts. Hitherto, this detailed material, with case studies from fieldwork in England, has been withheld for a safe passage of time. It may have become even more relevant to cross cultural studies of law and order.

Keywords

  • law
  • gypsies
  • conflicts
  • outsiders
  • Britain
Go to the article on Cairn-int.info