LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CIVIL PROCEDURE — Judgment Writing — Evaluation of Evidence — Method of Approach Not Determinative of Validity of Judgment
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
What therefore to watch out for in a standard judgment are: (l) Are the parties to the case appropriately stated? (2) Is the nature of the claim and cause of action known and considered? (3) Have the issues in controversy been appreciated and dealt with? (4) Has the evidence been properly received, and every relevant aspect thereof evaluated and given its probative value? (5) Have findings supported by the evidence been made and conclusions in fact and in law drawn? (6) Has the accepted and treated evidence all both sides (if a civil case) been put on either side of the imaginary scale to see to which side it tilts favourably? (7) Has verdict or decision been reached, judgment given and consequential orders, where necessary, made?
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Uwaifo, JSC in Okulate & Ors v. Awosanya & Ors (2000) NLC-1981992(SC) at p. 9; Paras. A–D.
"What therefore to watch out for in a standard judgment are: (l) Are the parties to the case appropriately stated? (2) Is the nature of the claim and cause of action known and considered? (3) Have the issues in controversy been appreciated and dealt with? (4) Has the evidence been properly received, and every relevant aspect thereof evaluated and given its probative value? (5) Have findings supported by the evidence been made and conclusions in fact and in law drawn? (6) Has the accepted and treated evidence all both sides (if a civil case) been put on either side of the imaginary scale to see to which side it tilts favourably? (7) Has verdict or decision been reached, judgment given and consequential orders, where necessary, made?"
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
The validity of a judgment is determined by substantive content, not formal methodology. A standard judgment must: identify parties and claims; appreciate and resolve issues; evaluate all relevant evidence; make findings supported by evidence; weigh evidence on both sides; and reach a clear decision. The absence of a particular approach (e.g., the “imaginary scale” method) does not invalidate a judgment if the essential elements are present. What matters is that the court demonstrates proper consideration of the case and reaches a reasoned conclusion based on the evidence.