Code de L'IndigéNat

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CODE DE L'INDIGéNAT

law code in french colonial algeria.

Imposed by France on the native Muslim population of Algeria in 1881, the Code de l'Indigénat (Code of the Indigenous People) was exercised summarily, covering a vast array of offenses. Its arbitrary application was tempered in 1914 and 1919 by the Clemenceau and Jonnart reforms. Nevertheless, the colonial lobby in France kept the intimidating code in effect until General Charles de Gaulle issued the ordinance of 7 March 1944 that gave Muslims French rights. Discrimination and prejudice, however, continued to prevent the full enjoyment of these new privileges. Summary rule resumed during the Algerian war of independence (19541962).

see also algerian war of independence; clemenceau, georges; young algerians.


Bibliography


Naylor, Phillip C., and Heggoy, Alf A. The Historical Dictionary of Algeria, 2d edition. Metuchen, NJ: Scarecrow Press, 1994.

Phillip C. Naylor