Controlling Bodies Of Legal Profession Flashcards
What are the primary controlling bodies of the legal profession in Nigeria?
- The General Council of the Bar
- The Nigerian Bar Association
- Council of Legal Education
- The Body of Benchers
- Legal Practitioners Privileges Committee
- Legal Practitioners Remuneration Committee
- Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee
- The Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board
- The body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria
Each body plays a distinct role within the legal framework of Nigeria.
When was the Council of Legal Education established?
By section 1(1) of the Legal Education (Consolidation, Etc.) Act LFN Cap L11 2004.
What are the functions of the Council of Legal Education?
- Training of aspirants to the Bar
- Organizing continuing Legal education for practitioners
- Incidental matters arising from its functions
- Prescribing qualifications for admission into the Nigerian Law School
The Council can refuse admission to the Nigerian Law School based on its criteria.
What is the composition of the Council of Legal Education?
- A chairman appointed by the President
- Attorneys-General of the States
- A representative of the Federal Ministry of Justice
- The head of the faculty of law from a recognized university
- The President of the Nigerian Bar Association
- Fifteen legal practitioners with at least ten years’ standing
- The Director-General of the Nigerian Law School
- Two authors of published legal works appointed by the Attorney-General
This diverse composition ensures representation from various legal sectors.
How long does a chairman of the Council of Legal Education hold office?
Four years, eligible for re-appointment.
What is the quorum required for the Council of Legal Education?
Ten members.
What is the Body of Benchers?
A body of legal practitioners of the highest distinction established under section 3(1) of the Legal Practitioners Act (LPA).
What are the functions of the Body of Benchers?
- Formal call to the Bar
- Prescription of call fees
- Regulation of dining terms for aspirants
- Sponsorship of aspirants for call
- Issuing Certificate of Call to the Bar
- General control of the affairs of the Nigerian Bar Association
- Discipline of aspirants and legal practitioners
- Appointment of the Caretaker Committee of the NBA
The Body of Benchers plays a critical role in maintaining standards within the legal profession.
Who are the members of the Body of Benchers?
- The Chief Justice of Nigeria
- All Justices of the Supreme Court
- The President of the Court of Appeal
- The Attorney-General of the Federation
- Presiding Justices of Court of Appeal Divisions
- Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and States
- The President of the Nigerian Bar Association
- The Chairman of the Council of Legal Education
- Thirty legal practitioners nominated by the NBA
- Up to ten eminent members of the legal profession
This structure reflects a blend of judicial and legal expertise.
What privileges are conferred on Life Members of the Body of Benchers?
- Exclusive right to sit at the inner bar
- Right to mention any cause or matter out of turn
These privileges are indicative of their esteemed status within the legal community.
What is the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)?
A body recognized by law but not created by statute, consisting of all lawyers.
What are the functions of the Nigerian Bar Association?
- Maintenance of the independence of the Bar
- Defence of the Bar in relation to the judiciary and executive
- Discipline of lawyers
- Promotion of good relations among members
- Promotion of legal education and law reform
The NBA plays a vital role in advocacy and the protection of legal practitioners’ interests.
What is the General Council of the Bar?
Established by section 1 of the LPA.
What are the functions of the General Council of the Bar?
- Making rules of accounts for legal practitioners
- Making and revising rules of professional conduct
These functions are essential for maintaining ethical standards in the legal profession.
What is the Legal Practitioners’ Disciplinary Committee responsible for?
Considering and determining cases of alleged misbehavior by legal practitioners.