Pre-trial Issues, Jurisdiction Flashcards
(41 cards)
What is primary enactment of Criminal Litigation?
ACJA
ACJL
CPL
CPCL
What is secondary enactment?
- CFRN 1999
- Police Act
- Evidence Act
- Armed Forced Act
- Criminal Code Law
- Penal Code Law
etc.
What does the case of Simidele v COP say?
The mode for applying for bail in the High Court after a bail application has been refused in the Magistrate Court is determined by the practice and procedure in England (which is by summons)
What is the rule when there is a lacuna in the law in the CPL?
Section 363 CPL says recourse shall be made to procedure and practice in England
What is the rule when there is a lacuna in the law in the ACJA/ACJL?
The court is to apply any procedure that will do justice in the matter
Section 262 ACJL, 492(3) ACJA
What is the rule when there is a lacuna in the law in the CCPL?
They must not adopt practice and procedure from England but must use any domestic practice or procedure which would do justice in the matter
On what days does the court sit?
Any day except Sundays and public holidays (non-juridical days)
Can the court sit on non-juridical days?
Yes with agreement of parties
Ososami v State
What is the rule on alibi?
It is a defence which must be raised promptly and properly.
- At the earliest opportunity
Ebemehi v State - With full particulars of where he was
Emengor v State
What is a confessional statement and when can it be made?
A confession is an admission by a suspect that he committed the crime
Section 28 Evidence Act
It can be made at any point from police custody to trial proceedings
What is the procedure for recording confessional statements?
ACJL: Video recorded but where not possible, statement shall be in writing in the presence of suspect’s lawyer
ACJA: Statement in writing and may be electrically recoded
What are the judges rules?
Set of administrative guidelines for taking statement and confessions of suspect by police
What is the effect of non-observance of the judge’s rules?
It will not automatically render a confession inadmissible if the court is satisfied that the statement was voluntarily made
R v Voisin
Summarise the Judges Rules
- Police caution suspect and tell him he doesn’t have to say anything but whatever he does say will be given in evidence
- Time and place of taking the statement shall be recorded as well as names of people present
- Suspect signs statement that he is making statement in his own free will
- Suspect will be taken to superior police officer to confirm that statement was voluntary
What must be done if an interpreter is used in making a statement?
Interpreter must be called to tender it otherwise it will be hearsay which is not generally admissible
When shall a confession statement be inadmissible?
If obtained through coercion, inducement or application of inordinate pressure
Section 29 Evidence Act
Will a confession obtained through deception or drunkenness be admissible?
Yes so long as it is relevant to the proceedings
Section 31 Evidence Act
What is the procedure if an accused denies making a confessional statement?
Statement may still be admissible at trial but the court will attach less weight and will usually not convict on such statement alone without corroborative evidence
Sule v State
What is the procedure if an accused denies voluntariness of a confessional statement?
The court shall hold a TRIAL WITHIN A TRIAL to determine whether such statement should be excluded or admitted
Olabode v State
What is the minimum number of people required for an identification parade?
8 persons
Two suspects will require 12 persons in the line up
Prominent marks/scars shall be concealed
What is the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court ?
- Criminal matters from Section 251 CFRN
- Treason and treasonable felony
- Drug offences
- Terrorism
- Counterfeit Currency
Notable matters under section 251 CFRN
- Maritime/Admiralty
- Aviation
- Copyright
- Banking
- Ammunition
- Immigration
- CAMA
When will a juvenile not be tried in Juvenile Court?
Where he is jointly charged with an adult
OR
The offence is an offence punishable by death on conviction
(he cannot be given the sentence)
What is the composition of court martial?
General
- President
- Not less than four members
- Judge Advocate
- Liaisons Officer
- Waiting Officer
Special
- President
- Not less than two members
- Judge Advocate
- Liaisons Officer
- Waiting Officer
*Members cannot be below the rank of the persons being tried and President must be Major or above
Section 129 Armed Forces Act