AN APPRAISAL OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN NIGERIA
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Abstract
This paper is an appraisal of the criminal justice system in Nigeria. The paper predicates its appraisal on some propositions extracted from the structural functional theory. On methodology, the paper relies substantially on secondary method of data collection which it analyses using content analysis. Findings reveals that poor and inadequate infrastructure, corruption, inadequate personnel, inadequate working facilities and equipment, lack of motivation and incentives, constitutes the major issues and problems bedevilling the criminal justice system in Nigeria. The paper therefore argued that there is the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s criminal justice system so as to ensure effective justice delivery to the citizens. Accordingly, the paper recommended among other things, that there should be institutional capacity building in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. There should be frequent and regular training and retraining of the police, judges, magistrates, judiciary staff, correctional service staff and such other staff within the criminal justice system in the country. This will help to bring about the needed reform and accordingly ensure effective justice delivery to Nigerians.
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