LEGAL PRINCIPLE: CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — Issue Not Placed Before Court — Court Has No Business to Deal With It
PRINCIPLE STATEMENT
When an issue is not properly placed before the court, the court has no business whatsoever to deal with it.
RATIO DECIDENDI (SOURCE)
Per Katsina-Alu, JSC, in State v. Oladimeji (2003) NLC-162002(SC) at p. 4; Paras D–E.
"When an issue is not properly placed before the court, the court has no business whatsoever to deal with it."
EXPLANATION / SCOPE
Courts cannot adjudicate on issues not properly raised. The principle applies to all courts. The parties define the scope of litigation. The rule ensures fair notice. The court cannot decide unpleaded issues. The principle is fundamental.