CONFLICTS AND MULTIPLE INTERPRETATION OF JUDGEMENTS IN THE NIGERIAN CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: DEALING WITH THE ABUSE OF ENGLISH AS THE ROOT CAUSE

Abstract

The Nigerian Criminal Justice System continues to grapple with a persistent challenge: the conflicting and multiple interpretations of judicial judgments. At the heart of this issue lies a fundamental problem-the abuse and inconsistent use of the English language, which serves as the official language of legal proceedings in Nigeria. This paper explores how linguistic imprecision, ambiguous legal expressions, and poor language training among legal practitioners and court officials contribute significantly to contradictory judicial interpretations. Using Okocha v. State (1995) as a supporting case study, the paper analyses how the poor framing of judicial pronouncements can lead to miscarriages of justice or prolonged litigation due to conflicting interpretations. The research further examines how legal English, with its complex structure and technical vocabulary, often becomes a barrier rather than a tool of clarity in the justice delivery system. Recommendations are made for improving the use of legal English through specialized language training, clearer drafting of legal documents, and the institutionalization of plain English in court proceedings. The paper argues that without addressing the linguistic foundation of legal discourse, efforts at judicial reform may remain superficial and ineffective.