Jurisdiction of the Native Courts in Sabah

The Native Courts in Sabah are established under the Native Courts Enactment 1992. The courts serve as a crucial institution for administering justice within the native communities of the state. The jurisdiction of Native Courts in Sabah is designed to uphold and administer native customary law. These courts have the authority to adjudicate matters among others, breach of customary law, land disputes, inheritance, marital issues and adoption. This paper explores the scope of jurisdiction exercised by Native Courts. It highlights the importance of these courts in preserving natives' rights and also discusses the legal issues pertaining to the jurisdiction of the courts, and proposes suggestions to address the legal issues. Ultimately, this study illustrates the significance of Native Courts in fostering social cohesion and safeguarding the balance between tradition and modernity, ensuring that justice is served in a manner that resonates with the values of the native populations in Sabah.