Global InformationSassywood information
Sassywood is an ancient West African form of trial by ordeal. Although it has been outlawed due to human rights concerns, it remains in sporadic use in Liberia.[1][2] In sassywood, the necessary ordeal can take on many different forms. The principal one involves the drinking of a poisonous concoction made from the bark of the "Ordeal Tree", or erythrophleum suaveolens.[1][2] Another involves the rubbing of a red-hot machete on the legs of the suspect,[3] while a third involves dipping the suspect's hand into hot oil.[4][5]
- ^ a b "Liberian Justice System". PRI. February 22, 2007. Retrieved 2013-05-01.
- ^ a b Leeson, P. T.; Coyne, C. J. (2012). "Sassywood" (PDF). Journal of Comparative Economics. 40 (4): 608. doi:10.1016/j.jce.2012.02.002.
- ^ "Controversial Practices: Trial by Ordeal in Liberia". Voice of America. October 31, 2009. Retrieved 2013-05-01.
- ^ "Plunge your hand into hot oil: the 'sassywood man' and trial by ordeal". The Namibian. 28 November 2005. Retrieved 2013-05-01.
- ^ "Trial by ordeal makes the guilty burn but "undermines justice"". IRIN. 1 November 2007.