Abstract
Breach of fundamental human rights and rule of law are challenges that have tainted Nigeria’s image and impaired sustainable development of her justice system. These breaches are: torture, distorting bail procedures among others. These illegal practices if unchecked may culminate in the denial of justice. The lawyer’s role therefore, is vital in fostering a culture of enduring dispensation of justice, especially in the light of the many challenges bedeviling Nigeria’s criminal justice system. The paper re-appraises the statutory and ethical roles of lawyers pursuant to the Nigeria’s Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 in facilitating stringent compliance with the Act to safeguard the rule of law. The study is a doctrinal legal research with a library based approach. It adopts primary sources such as statutes, judicial authorities and secondary sources such as textbooks, journals/articles and internet sources. The research recommends among others, reform and strengthening of the judiciary to promote its independence in the administration of criminal justice system. Lawyers must ensure that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 fosters dexterous management of cases by all adjudicatory bodies for speedy dispensation of justice, promotion of rule of law, and to end abuse of court processes. The study finds that Nigerian criminal law appears flawed in this regards. This research revealed series of human rights violations in Nigeria and equally highlighted the roles of lawyers in combating these abuses and suggest the use of modern forensic technologies in all courts in Nigeria which is currently lacking and made some recommendations.
Highlights
The legal profession contributes in significant respects to the legal, social and economic development of a nation
The unfolding complexities associated with the Nigerian context, further amplifies the considerable efforts that must be deployed by lawyers towards curbing the endemic trend of human rights abuses, injustices and corruption
The study adopts secondary sources such as journals, textbooks written by renowned legal scholars, relevant International Conventions, as well as a point-by-point comparative approach of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 and the Repealed Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), Chapter C42, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004
Summary
The legal profession contributes in significant respects to the legal, social and economic development of a nation. It suffices to say, that lawyers are primary stakeholders in preserving the sanctity of the socio-economic polity, in an evolving country such as Nigeria. In this regard, the unfolding complexities associated with the Nigerian context, further amplifies the considerable efforts that must be deployed by lawyers towards curbing the endemic trend of human rights abuses, injustices and corruption. Lawyers have the responsibility of fostering a legal system that guarantees the presumption of innocence until a guilty verdict can be established in the law court. Section 36(5) Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended). In the case of the Federal Republic of Nigeria V.
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