LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CIVIL PROCEDURE — Judgment Writing — Delivery of Judgment in Open Court
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Order 36 rule 1 of the High Court Civil Procedure Rules of Lagos State requires that the judge shall, at or after trial, deliver judgment in open court.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Ogundare, JSC, in Nigeria-Arab Bank Limited v. Barri Engineering Nigeria Ltd. (1995) NLC-11994(SC) at p. 29; Paras. D–E.
"Order 36 rule 1. High Court Civil Procedure Rules of Lagos State 'The judge shall, at or after trial, deliver judgment in open court...'"
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Judgment must be delivered in open court. The requirement ensures transparency and public access to justice. The principle applies to all courts. Delivery in chambers is irregular. The rule promotes confidence in the judicial system. The parties have a right to hear the judgment pronounced. The principle is codified in rules of court.