This book adds to the growing number of books by Melanesians on their region, and draws on the author's personal knowledge and experience of events that have shaped Melanesia. It is about the state of law in Papua New Guinea, and goes beyond custom to look at contemporary institutions. Custom continues to be prominent in village conflict resolution and acts like a "two-edged sword", moderating the rapidity of change and, at the same time, acting as a catalyst for change. Basic principles of English law are discussed and compared to the actual practices of law in Melanesia, and alternatives that would enable Melanesian countries to achieve a measure of harmony between classical and contemporary Melanesia are suggested."--Back cover