CRIMINAL

The study focused on examining the influence of media representation of Dele Farotimi versus Afe Babalola criminal defamation suit on Uniben students’ perception of the law. It is aimed at analyzing the media representation of the Dele Farotimi versus Afe Babalola criminal defamation suit, assessing the perception of Uniben student regarding criminal defamation law in 12Nigeria, the influence of media representation on Uniben students’ understanding of criminal defamation law and explaining the implications of media representation on Uniben students’ attitude toward freedom of expression and protection of reputation. For its theoretical framework, the study adopted the agenda setting and framing theory to further buttress the point of the study. While the stratified random sampling method was used to gather the data used for the study. Findings of the study revealed that Uniben students have negative perception of criminal defamation law and that positive steps have not been taken to balance freedom of speech and protection of reputation. The findings also revealed that Uniben students agreed that they will be cautious of what they post online and they are aware of the potential consequences of defamatory statements and online actions and will take steps to protect themselves from potential legal consequences. The researcher therefore concluded that it is necessary that the law makers review the constitution to balance protection of reputation and free speech in Nigeria. The researcher recommended among other things that the media should ensure balanced and fair reporting and avoid sensationalism and bias. The researcher also recommended that the media should create more awareness about the existence of defamation.

The issue of mental capacity as a determinant for legal responsibility and validity has given rise to various judicial precedents and scholarly discourse within the Nigerian Legal system. Recurrently, the courts have been tasked with determining cases where the mental health of an individual is central to the case. This occurs whether in respect of assessing criminal or tortious liability or enforcing contracts. In criminal matters the argument espoused is the incapacity of an individual to form the intention necessary for the offence committed. Whereas, in contract law a person may seek to invalidate an agreement by claiming that at the time of the formation of the contract, they lacked the requisite mental capacity to understand and consider the consequences of the contractual agreement. Therefore, this study majorly examines : what legal effect mental capacity has with regards to criminal responsibility and contractual reliability respectively? What is the legislative framework in place for mental health care in Nigeria ? And lastly how effective are these legislative frameworks in relation to global mental health care standards? The rationale for modern interpretation is based on the constitutional rights of fair hearing, protection of human dignity and freedom from discrimination as provided by section 36, 34 and 42 respectively of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as (amended). In addition, the provision of section 17(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which vests the state with the duty of providing proper health care and health care facilities for individuals in Nigeria. The finding in this study shows that although laws have been enacted to cater for treatment and care of persons with mental disorders and incapacity in Nigeria, such laws do not fully cater for their rights and to a large extent does not align with modern international standards for mental health care.

The core of proof in criminal trials is that the accused must be proved to be the perpetrator of the crime beyond all reasonable doubt. In most cases, this is anchored on the evidence of an eye witness, however in the presence of none what becomes the fate of the victim. It appears that criminals have adopted a sophisticated scheme to commit crimes, it is therefore appropriate for our legal system to adopt a effective mechanism to ensure that crimes are proven and one way o attaining this is the use of Forensic. However the Nigerian legal system has remained redundant, primarily because criminal convictions are based on police reports, which sometimes lack credibility, as well as reliance on circumstantial evidence. This approach is a major setback to an efficient criminal justice system. The use of forensic science has been effectually deployed by other jurisdictions in combating crimes, while it is still an evolving trend in Nigeria. This study appraise the significance of forensic science in the Nigerian legal system with the aim of achieving a fair, just and robust criminal justice system that would strengthen the administration of justice in Nigeria. It also examine the relevancy and application of forensic evidence in Nigerian legal system. This study will adopted the doctrinal approach of research relying on existing principles and works of great authors and its findings will establish the essence for proper utilization of forensic science in order to restore the dignity, dependability and efficiency of the criminal justice system in Nigeria

The core of proof in criminal trials is that the accused must be proved to be the perpetrator of the crime beyond all reasonable doubt. In most cases, this is anchored on the evidence of an eye witness, however in the presence of none what becomes the fate of the victim. It appears that criminals have adopted a sophisticated scheme to commit crimes, it is therefore appropriate for our legal system to adopt a effective mechanism to ensure that crimes are proven and one way of attaining this is the use of Forensic. However the Nigerian legal system has remained redundant, primarily because criminal convictions are based on police reports, which sometimes lack credibility, as well as reliance on circumstantial evidence. This approach is a major setback to an efficient criminal justice system. The use of forensic science has been effectually deployed by other jurisdictions in combating rimes, while it is still an evolving trend in Nigeria. This study appraise the significance of forensic science in the Nigerian legal system with the aim of achieving a fair, just and robust criminal justice system that would strengthen the administration of justice in Nigeria. It also examine the relevancy and application of forensic evidence in Nigerian legal system. This study will adopted the doctrinal approach of research relying on existing principles and works of great authors and its findings will establish the essence for proper utilization of forensic science in order to restore the dignity, dependability and efficiency of the criminal justice system in Nigeria.