LEGAL PRINCIPLE: EVIDENCE LAW — Proof of Public Documents — Judgment as Conclusive Proof
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
Only the judgment given by a court can be relied upon as conclusive proof of the matters decided between parties to a case, under section 54 of the Evidence Law.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Oguntade, JSC, in A.G., Plateau State v. A.G., Nasarawa State (2005) NLC-2552000(SC) at p. 9; Paras C–D.
"Only the judgment given by a court can be relied upon as the conclusive proof of the matters decided between parties to a case. See section 54 of the Evidence Law."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
A court judgment is conclusive proof of matters decided between the parties. Other documents or evidence cannot substitute for the judgment itself. The principle applies to evidence law and proof of public documents. The rule requires production of the actual judgment to prove res judicata or other decided matters. Secondary evidence of the judgment is insufficient where the judgment is available.
