What are the 4 types of law in Nigeria?

Asked by: Carmelo Kemmer  |  Last update: October 25, 2023
Score: 5/5 (33 votes)

There are four distinct legal systems in Nigeria, which include English law, Common law, Customary law, and Sharia Law. English law in Nigeria is derived from the colonial Nigeria, while common law is a development from its post colonial independence.

What is the most important law in Nigeria?

The Constitution

This is the most important law in the country, it is the law from which all the other laws in Nigeria gain their validity.

What are the 4 types of laws?

When researching the law, it is important to remember the four main types of law: constitutional, statutory, administrative and case (common) law.

What are the sources of Nigerian law list and discuss at least 5?

Basically, the sources of the Nigerian Legal system include the received English law, Nigerian Legislations, Islamic law, customary law and Case law. The stand of case law is however subject to debate.

What are the examples of substantive law in Nigeria?

Some examples of substantive laws in legislations are: the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); Public Officers Protection Act; Court of Appeal Act, 2004; Company and Allied Matters Act, 1990; etc.

Understanding The 4 Types of Laws | Dr. Myles Munroe

19 related questions found

How many laws are there in Nigeria?

There are four distinct legal systems in Nigeria, which include English law, Common law, Customary law, and Sharia Law. English law in Nigeria is derived from the colonial Nigeria, while common law is a development from its post colonial independence.

What are the 7 principles of substantive law?

The discussion of substantive criminal law briefly defines the seven principles essential for a crime to have been committed, i.e., legality, actus reus, mens rea, fusion of actus reus and mens rea, harm, causation, and stipulation of punishment.

What is Nigeria case law?

Case law often comprises the interpretation which has been given to laws made by the legislature and which are now followed subsequently. Case law may also include some principles formulated by the courts, which are often unwritten, except they have become written in law reports. Case law is made up of precedents.

What is Islamic law in Nigeria?

Sharia used to be categorized as a customary law in Nigeria. This position has changed given the judicial pronouncement in the case of Alkamawa V Bello(1998) LPELR-SC. 293/1991 Hence, Sharia is now seen as a distinct and universal legal system.

What is Nigerian statutes?

The Nigerian legislation is classified into statute or subsidiary legislation. Statutes are laws that originate from any chamber of the National Assembly. Subsidiary legislation on the other hand legislation that comes from a body other than the legislature is referred to as subsidiary legislation.

What are the two main types of law?

As lawyers know, legal systems in countries around the world generally fall into one of two main categories: common law systems and civil law systems.

What are the 4 natural laws?

Aquinas's Natural Law Theory contains four different types of law: Eternal Law, Natural Law, Human Law and Divine Law. The way to understand these four laws and how they relate to one another is via the Eternal Law, so we'd better start there…

What are the three common types of law?

The basic divisions in the U.S. legal system are the criminal, civil, and administrative.

What are the rights of a Nigerian citizen?

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms. No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Does Nigeria follow rule of law?

The Nigerian Constitution establishes that all persons in the society should be equal to the law of the land. Simply put, the law should apply equally to all.

Which body makes law in Nigeria?

The National Assembly (NASS) is the nation's highest legislature, whose power to make laws is summarized in chapter one, section four of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

What is the difference between customary law and Islamic law in Nigeria?

It has been established that customary law is born out of the custom of the people as an acceptable mode of operation in the society, whereas Islamic law is established as a divine law handed down to the messenger of Allah (SWT) as a regulatory document of the followers of Islam.

What law do Muslims believe in?

Sharia is the ideal form of divine guidance that Muslims follow to live a righteous life. Human interpretations of sharia, or fiqh, are the basis of Islamic law today.

Who bring Islam to Nigeria?

Islam was first introduced to what is now modern-day Nigeria through contact with traders from North Africa and the Middle East. The earliest record of Islam in Nigeria dates back to the 9th century when a Muslim trader named Ali ibn Ghanim visited the kingdom of Kanem-Bornu in present-day Chad.

How much does a lawyer charge for a case in Nigeria?

A professional fee is based on each matter, for example, if you are doing divorce, your professional fee is about N1 million or N1. 5 million if you are doing criminal cases. “For matters that have to do with the title, we charge 5 per cent of the value of the property.

Can I sue someone in Nigeria?

Things to Consider Before suing a person in Nigeria:

To sue a person in Nigeria, the Claimant and Defendant must be legally capable to sue and being sued, respectively. In Nigeria, only legal persons (Natural or Non-natural) can sue and be sued.

Can I defend myself in court without a lawyer in Nigeria?

A person with a cause of action can represent himself in any action brought by them and can also defend himself in person before any court.

What are the 4 universal principles of law?

The Four Universal Principles

The government as well as private actors are accountable under the law. The law is clear, publicized, and stable and is applied evenly. It ensures human rights as well as property, contract, and procedural rights.

What are the 6 elements of rule of law?

Many countries throughout the world strive to uphold the rule of law where no one is above the law, everyone is treated equally under the law, everyone is held accountable to the same laws, there are clear and fair processes for enforcing laws, there is an independent judiciary, and human rights are guaranteed for all.

What is the difference between a public and private law?

Private Laws: Public laws are laws intended for general application, such as those that apply to the nation as a whole or a class of individuals. Private laws are enacted for the benefit of a particular individual or small group, such as claims against the government or individual immigration or naturalization matters.