Final answer:
Muslim Law led to changes in West African courts, such as the adoption of Islamic legal principles and institutions. It influenced areas such as family law, criminal law, and commercial law.
Step-by-step explanation:
Muslim Law had significant effects on West African courts. The spread of Islam in West Africa led to the adoption of Islamic legal principles and institutions in the region. West African rulers began to incorporate Islamic legal systems into their court systems, resulting in changes in the way justice was administered. Islamic law, known as Sharia, shaped the legal framework of West African courts, influencing areas such as family law, criminal law, and property law.
For example, under Islamic law, marriage and divorce were governed by specific rules and procedures. If a West African court adopted Islamic law, these rules and procedures would be followed, which could result in changes in how marriage and divorce cases were handled. Similarly, Islamic law placed emphasis on punishment and rehabilitation, leading to changes in the criminal justice system of West African courts.
The influence of Muslim Law on West African courts also extended to commercial and trade practices. Islamic commercial law, such as the prohibition of interest (usury), influenced the regulation of trade and business transactions. Rulings by West African courts based on Islamic law would shape the legal framework for trade and business in the region.