Legislating the Melanesian Way: Bernard Narokobi and the Law Reform Commission of Papua New Guinea

A common criticism of Bernard Narokobi is that his vision of the 'Melanesian Way' was vague and imprecise. This article argues against this claim by describing the activities Narokobi undertook as the head of the Law Reform Commission of Papua New Guinea (1975-8). Using the example of his...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Journal of Pacific history Vol. 55; no. 2; pp. 255 - 273
Main Author Golub, Alex
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Abingdon Routledge 02.04.2020
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Subjects
adultery
Bernard Narokobi
Extramarital sexuality
Law Reform Commission of Papua New Guinea
legal history
Legal reform
Papua New Guinea
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Summary:A common criticism of Bernard Narokobi is that his vision of the 'Melanesian Way' was vague and imprecise. This article argues against this claim by describing the activities Narokobi undertook as the head of the Law Reform Commission of Papua New Guinea (1975-8). Using the example of his suggested revision of adultery laws, this article shows that Narokobi realized his abstract vision of the Melanesian Way in the most concrete and specific way possible: by attempting to reform the law. Much of Narokobi's legal reform work was unsuccessful, but a full understanding of his philosophy can only be achieved by reading his legal work alongside his published writings like The Melanesian Way.
ISSN:0022-3344
1469-9605
DOI:10.1080/00223344.2020.1759407