LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CRIMINAL LAW — Road Traffic Offences — Dangerous Driving — Negligence Sufficient to Sustain Conviction
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
In road traffic offences, the slightest negligence on the part of the accused is sufficient to sustain a conviction.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Onu, JSC, in Amusa v. State (2003) NLC-3362001(SC) at p. 4; Paras A–B.
"in Road Traffic Offences, such as the one under consideration the slightest negligence on the part of the appellant is sufficient to sustain a conviction."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
The slightest negligence can sustain a conviction for dangerous driving. The principle applies to road traffic offences. The standard is lower than for other crimes. The rule promotes road safety. The court must still be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt. The principle is well-established.
CASES APPLYING THIS PRINCIPLE
None recorded.