JURISDICTION — Jurisdiction of Court — Plaintiff’s Claim Determines Jurisdiction
Principle Statement
It is the plaintiff's claim that determines the jurisdiction of a trial court.
Ratio Decidendi (Source)
Per Ogbuagu, JSC, in Nkuma v. Odili & Ors (2006) NLC-123-244-2001(SC) at p. 17; Paras B–C.
"It is now settled, that it is the plaintiff's claim, that determines the jurisdiction of a trial court."
Explanation / Scope
The plaintiff’s claim is the primary determinant of a court’s jurisdiction. The principle applies to civil procedure and jurisdiction.
