LEGAL PRINCIPLE: APPELLATE PRACTICE — Issue Formulation — Formulation from Grounds of Appeal — Improper Multiplication of Issues
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
The purpose of issues for determination is to enable the parties to narrow the issues in the grounds of appeal filed in the interest of accuracy, clarity, and brevity. Formulating seven issues from only three grounds is to be deprecated and frowned upon.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Onu, JSC, in Ogoyi v. Umagba (1995) NLC-1401991(SC) at p. 15; Paras. C–D.
"As the purpose of issues for determination is to enable the parties narrow the issues in the grounds of appeal filed in the interest of accuracy, clarity and brevity, the formulation or distillation of seven issues from only three grounds by the appellant in the instant case, is to be deprecated and frowned upon."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Issues should narrow the grounds, not multiply them excessively. Formulating more issues than grounds is improper. The principle applies to all appeals. The court may strike out unnecessary issues. The appellant should aim for clarity and brevity. The rule promotes efficient appellate adjudication. The court will discourage prolixity.