JACOB O. GARUBA

This study explored the concept of renewable marriage contracts as a promising legal reform to address the challenges of traditional marriage and divorce systems, with a focus on the Nigerian context. Traditional views of marriage as a lifelong and
irrevocable commitment are increasingly questioned due to rising divorce rates and changing social values. Renewable marriage contracts offer a flexible fixed-term arrangement allowing couples to periodically reassess and renew their marital commitments, thus reducing the social, emotional, and economic costs of divorce. This study critically examines the legal principles underpinning this model and its compatibility with existing family laws. In Nigeria, the single most populous country in Africa, marriage is culturally and religiously regarded as sacred and permanent, with divorce carrying stigmatization and significant procedural burdens, especially for women. Despite this, increasing marital incompatibility and domestic violence highlight the need for alternative frameworks. The research utilizes doctrinal, comparative, and socio-legal analysis to evaluate the feasibility, benefits, and
challenges of renewable marriage contracts in Nigeria

Domestic violence in matrimony is a widespread issue that affects people globally. Throughout history, many cultures have accepted domestic violence as a normal part of life. In recent years, there has been a shift in recognizing domestic violence as a criminal issue in some places. However, it is important to note that in certain societies, like the Nigerian society, it is still culturally accepted. This study adopts a doctrinal method of research. It examined legal framework addressing domestic violence, highlighted the various forms of abuse that can occur within the households and its consequences. It further examines the factors that contribute to domestic violence and the legal framework put in place by the government to protect victims of domestic abuse as well as the punishments for offenders. Notwithstanding the extant legal regime, incidences of domestic violence has remained unabated. The study examined the prevalence of domestic violence in other jurisdictions. Finally, this study concluded that domestic violence in matrimony is a global issue and it recommended immediate steps to be taken by the government agencies and other bodies to combat the menace of domestic violence in order to have peace and security in the society.