Early Influences (Pre-Colonial Era)
- Customary Laws: Traditional legal systems of indigenous tribes governed criminal offenses, with punishments ranging from fines to banishment.
- Islamic Influence: With the arrival of Arab merchants and missionaries on the coast, Islamic legal principles influenced criminal law, particularly in coastal areas.
Colonial Period (1885-1961)
- German Penal Code (1891): Introduced German criminal law, including the concept of codified Penal Code.
- British Penal Code (1924): Replaced German code with a new, more comprehensive code influenced by English common law.
Post-Independence (1961)
- Unified Penal Code (1964): Tanzania adopted a unified Penal Code that consolidated laws from different regions and periods.
- Penal Code Amendments (1969, 1972, 1998, 2003): Over time, the Penal Code has been amended to address new criminal developments, such as organized crime and corruption.
Key Developments in Post-Independence Era
- Establishment of Specialized Courts: Creation of specialized courts to handle specific types of crimes, such as drug trafficking, corruption, and terrorism.
- Criminal Procedure Act (1985): Codifies the procedures for criminal investigation, prosecution, and trial.
- Prison Reform: Implementation of reforms to improve prison conditions and promote rehabilitation.
- Community Sentencing: Introduction of alternative sentencing options, such as probation and community service, to reduce prison overcrowding.
- International Cooperation: Tanzania has signed and ratified international treaties related to criminal law, including the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
Current Status
- Penal Code (2002): The current Penal Code is the primary criminal law in Tanzania, addressing a wide range of offenses, including murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and fraud.
- Specialized Legislation: In addition to the Penal Code, there are specialized laws that criminalize specific types of conduct, such as the Anti-Corruption Act (2007) and the Cybercrimes Act (2015).
- Criminal Justice System: The criminal justice system in Tanzania includes the police, прокуратура, courts, and prison system.
- Ongoing Reforms: Efforts are ongoing to improve the efficiency and fairness of the criminal justice system, including initiatives to reduce backlogs, enhance victim support, and strengthen human rights protections.