LANGUAGE AS A TOOL OF ENGENDERING OR ENDANGERING THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The interplay between language and law is a critical aspect of the Nigerian justice system, with far-reaching implications for delivering justice and protecting individual rights. This paper seeks to assess language as a tool for either fostering or jeopardizing the justice system in Nigeria. It also examined the connection between language and law, the interaction of local languages with English in the Nigerian legal system, and the broader implications of language in the Nigerian justice system. Using a qualitative approach with a critical assessment and reviews of relevant literature, the paper's findings revealed the vital role that language plays in shaping the accessibility, fairness, and overall effectiveness of the justice system in Nigeria. Additionally, it indicates that language barriers have created significant hindrances for many Nigerians, particularly those from rural or linguistically marginalized communities, who struggle to fully comprehend and engage with the legal system process. The study recommends, among other things, that the justice system should actively work to integrate local languages into legal proceedings, documentation, and legal education