THE ROLE OF THE COURT IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: THE IMPACT OF DELAYS ON JUSTICE IN NIGERIA.
Faculty
Department
Year of Publication
upload
Publication Type
Abstract
The Nigerian criminal justice system is a caviling constituent of the country’s administration and the parts which the courts have to play within this system is important. The aim of this project is to delve into the different functions of the courts in criminal justice system of Nigeria and to dissect the impact of delays on the administration of justice in the country. This study adopts a doctrinal approach all information are purely from textbooks, internet, law reports for a better understanding of the subject matter.
The research begin by explaining what criminal justice system entail, role and functions of the courts in determining criminal cases, including their function in interpretation and application of the law, following due process, and safeguarding the rights of the accused. Furthermore, this project will dissect the organizational structure ofthe Nigerian court system and allocation ofresponsibilities among various tiers ofcourts, such as the Magistrate Courts,High Courts, Court ofAppeal, and the Supreme Court, in the handling ofcriminal cases.
In addition to expounding the hypothetical facets ofthe roles ofthe courts, the project will go into workable implementation ofthese functions, examining challenges and successes usually encountered within the court system of Nigeria. Most importantly, this research focuses on the existing issue of delays in the meting out of justice and its repercussions on the generic efficaciousness in the criminal justice system. Delays in court proceedings can cause long pretrial detention, abuse of defendants’ rights to a quick trial, and lessen the public confidence in the justice system.
The impact of these delays on the defendants, victims, and society at large will be critically examined through Nigerian case laws. Furthermore, this project will examine the fundamental causes of delays, touching factors such as backlog of case, institutional inefficiencies, inadequate infrastructure, and procedural complexities. By pinpointing these encumbrance, the research tends to provide practical recommendations for reforming the court system and building efficiency in handling criminal cases.
Finally, the project tends to make available to the ongoing discourse on judicial reform in Nigeria, dishing out insights that can inform policy interventions and institutional changes aimed at improving the administration of criminal justice. The findings of this research can serve as a foundation for further scholarly inquest and applicable initiatives geared towards strengthening the role of courts in upholding the rule of law and ensuring equitable access to justice for all citizens.
The research begin by explaining what criminal justice system entail, role and functions of the courts in determining criminal cases, including their function in interpretation and application of the law, following due process, and safeguarding the rights of the accused. Furthermore, this project will dissect the organizational structure ofthe Nigerian court system and allocation ofresponsibilities among various tiers ofcourts, such as the Magistrate Courts,High Courts, Court ofAppeal, and the Supreme Court, in the handling ofcriminal cases.
In addition to expounding the hypothetical facets ofthe roles ofthe courts, the project will go into workable implementation ofthese functions, examining challenges and successes usually encountered within the court system of Nigeria. Most importantly, this research focuses on the existing issue of delays in the meting out of justice and its repercussions on the generic efficaciousness in the criminal justice system. Delays in court proceedings can cause long pretrial detention, abuse of defendants’ rights to a quick trial, and lessen the public confidence in the justice system.
The impact of these delays on the defendants, victims, and society at large will be critically examined through Nigerian case laws. Furthermore, this project will examine the fundamental causes of delays, touching factors such as backlog of case, institutional inefficiencies, inadequate infrastructure, and procedural complexities. By pinpointing these encumbrance, the research tends to provide practical recommendations for reforming the court system and building efficiency in handling criminal cases.
Finally, the project tends to make available to the ongoing discourse on judicial reform in Nigeria, dishing out insights that can inform policy interventions and institutional changes aimed at improving the administration of criminal justice. The findings of this research can serve as a foundation for further scholarly inquest and applicable initiatives geared towards strengthening the role of courts in upholding the rule of law and ensuring equitable access to justice for all citizens.
Supervisor(s)
co-supervisor