LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CIVIL PROCEDURE — Interlocutory Injunction — Academic Exercise — Courts Do Not Act in Vain
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Courts do not act in vain but for a purpose, and the purpose must exist and be identifiable. Courts do not embark on academic exercise because they are not academic institutions.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Tobi, JSC, in Buhari & Ors v. Obasanjo & 266 Ors (2003) NLC-1332003(SC) at p. 42; Paras B–C.
"Courts of law, like nature, do not act in vain but for a purpose and the purpose must exist and be identifiable and identified. Courts of law do not embark on academic exercise because they are not academic institutions."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Courts act only for a purpose. Academic exercises are not entertained. The principle applies to all judicial proceedings. The rule promotes efficiency. The court will not grant relief that serves no practical purpose. The principle is fundamental.