JURISDICTION ā Fundamental Nature of Jurisdiction ā Court Without Jurisdiction Cannot Embark on Hearing
Principle Statement
The issue of jurisdiction is very fundamental as it goes to the competence of the court. If a court is not competent to entertain a matter, it is a waste of valuable time to embark on hearing and determination.
Ratio Decidendi (Source)
Per Pats-Acholonu, JSC, in Associated Discount House Ltd v. Amalgamated Trustees Ltd (2006) NLC-123-289-2002(SC) at pp. 6ā7; Paras EāA.
"The issue of jurisdiction is very fundamental as it goes to the competence of the Court or Tribunal. If a Court or Tribunal is not competent to entertain a matter or claim or suit, it is a waste of valuable time for the Court to embark on the hearing and determination of the case."
Explanation / Scope
Jurisdiction is fundamental; a court without jurisdiction should not proceed. The principle applies to civil procedure.
