The linkage between sustainable development and customary law -- Three case studies from Hawaii, Norway, and Greenland -- Social interaction : the foundation of customary law -- How custom becomes law in England -- How custom becomes law in Norway -- Adaptive resource management through customary law -- The place of customary law in democratic societies -- Customary law, sustainable development, and the failing state -- Towards sustainability : the basis in international law -- The case studies revisited -- The choice of customary law.