LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CIVIL PROCEDURE — Judgment Writing — No Statutory Format Exists for Writing a Judgment
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
There is no statutory format for writing a judgment. Judgment writing being an art, needs the peculiar and personal dexterity of the Judge who is the 'artist'. An appellate court cannot set aside a judgment merely because it does not begin with an introduction of the parties.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Tobi, JSC, in Usiobaifo v. Usiobaifo & Anor (2005) NLC-2542000(SC) at p. 19; Paras A–C.
"The requirement as to a particular format in the writing of a judgment. There is no statutory format either. Judgment writing being an art, needs the peculiar and personal dexterity of the Judge who is the 'artist'. ... An appellate court cannot set aside a judgment of a trial Judge merely because it does not begin with an introduction of the parties, as contended by counsel for the appellants."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
No prescribed statutory format governs judgment writing; it is an art requiring judicial dexterity. Absence of formal elements like party introduction does not invalidate a judgment. The principle applies to civil procedure and appellate practice. The rule prevents appellate interference based on stylistic preferences. Substance over form governs judgment validity. The appellate court focuses on whether the decision is correct, not on formatting choices.
