The Pros and Cons of Technology in the Judicial Process in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

The application of scientific knowledge to the practical aims of humans to the change and manipulation of the human environment is called technology. Its application to the judicial process in Lagos State Judiciary has made it easier to access information, file court processes, enable swift, and accurate research, and improve the delivery of justice thereby curbing the delay in the dispensation of justice though this is with some qualifications. The study juxtaposed and analysed the advancement of technology in the judicial process in Lagos State, Nigeria. Historical and case study designs were adopted. Doctrinal method was used in data collection. The primary sources of data were the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), Lagos State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019; Magistrates’ Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2009; Lagos State Chief Judge Practice Direction dated April 27, 2020; sources of secondary data were published textbooks, law reports, scholarly peer-reviewed journals, and articles. Data were content-analysed and presented thematically. Findings revealed that technology is needed for the advancement, development, and growth of the judicial process in Lagos State. Many a lawyer and litigants have not utilised the technology in the state’s judiciary. There is no clear legislation in the state protecting or guiding the utilisation of technology in the judiciary save the practice direction issued by the state’s chief judge in 2020. The study concluded that technology is necessary in advancing the judicial process in Lagos State. The study recommended that lawyers and litigants are to be properly educated vide seminars on how to ustilised technology in advancing the judicial process. The Lagos State House of Assembly should initiate a bill for the utilisation and applicability of the technology in the state’s judiciary.