Areghe Phoebe OKUNA

This project "Congestion of Cases and Adjournments - A CRITIQUE" is aimed at examining the adjudication system in Nigeria and dispensation of justice. Adjudication in Nigerian courts for the dispensation of justice is through adversary method. Under this system a litigant is required to put his case before the court and call witness, he needs to establish his points. The judge is required to look at both sides and access the strength of each party's case. But under the present dispensation of justice the price the society is being compelled to pay is delay and therefore denial of justice. “Delay in court proceeding" has led to congestion of cases in Nigerian courts, which gives negative effect on the role of the Judiciary and the society. The delay in justice represents the Judiciary's biggest problem in Nigerian legal system which is the denial of the individual right of justice. This has led to people seeking alternative means. This project will examine the judiciary as an organ. Chapter one deals with the Historical evolution of the judiciary in Nigeria. Chapter two takes up the legal framework. Chapter three X-rays the causes of delay leading to congestion and adjournment. Chapter four deals with the implications of the delay in Justice. Chapter five will proffer solutions and recommendations