Pre-trial Issues, Jurisdiction Flashcards
What is primary enactment of Criminal Litigation?
ACJA
ACJL
CPL
CPCL
What is secondary enactment?
- CFRN 1999
- Police Act
- Evidence Act
- Armed Forced Act
- Criminal Code Law
- Penal Code Law
etc.
What does the case of Simidele v COP say?
The mode for applying for bail in the High Court after a bail application has been refused in the Magistrate Court is determined by the practice and procedure in England (which is by summons)
What is the rule when there is a lacuna in the law in the CPL?
Section 363 CPL says recourse shall be made to procedure and practice in England
What is the rule when there is a lacuna in the law in the ACJA/ACJL?
The court is to apply any procedure that will do justice in the matter
Section 262 ACJL, 492(3) ACJA
What is the rule when there is a lacuna in the law in the CCPL?
They must not adopt practice and procedure from England but must use any domestic practice or procedure which would do justice in the matter
On what days does the court sit?
Any day except Sundays and public holidays (non-juridical days)
Can the court sit on non-juridical days?
Yes with agreement of parties
Ososami v State
What is the rule on alibi?
It is a defence which must be raised promptly and properly.
- At the earliest opportunity
Ebemehi v State - With full particulars of where he was
Emengor v State
What is a confessional statement and when can it be made?
A confession is an admission by a suspect that he committed the crime
Section 28 Evidence Act
It can be made at any point from police custody to trial proceedings
What is the procedure for recording confessional statements?
ACJL: Video recorded but where not possible, statement shall be in writing in the presence of suspect’s lawyer
ACJA: Statement in writing and may be electrically recoded
What are the judges rules?
Set of administrative guidelines for taking statement and confessions of suspect by police
What is the effect of non-observance of the judge’s rules?
It will not automatically render a confession inadmissible if the court is satisfied that the statement was voluntarily made
R v Voisin
Summarise the Judges Rules
- Police caution suspect and tell him he doesn’t have to say anything but whatever he does say will be given in evidence
- Time and place of taking the statement shall be recorded as well as names of people present
- Suspect signs statement that he is making statement in his own free will
- Suspect will be taken to superior police officer to confirm that statement was voluntary
What must be done if an interpreter is used in making a statement?
Interpreter must be called to tender it otherwise it will be hearsay which is not generally admissible
When shall a confession statement be inadmissible?
If obtained through coercion, inducement or application of inordinate pressure
Section 29 Evidence Act