PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE — Court Business — Seriousness — Brief Prepared by Layman Unacceptable
Ratio Decidendi
Per Rhodes-Vivour, JSC, in Contract Resource Nig. Ltd & Anor v. UBA Plc (2011) NLC-123-292-2003(SC) at p. 7; Paras A—B:
"I must remind Mr. J.O.N. Ikeyi who appeared for the appellants that court business is very serious business. It is unheard of for counsel to argue a brief prepared by a layman. If this is allowed, cranks, professional litigants and those with only a nodding acquaintance with the law will prepare briefs for argument before this court."
Explanation / Scope
This principle establishes that court business is serious and it is unacceptable for counsel to argue a brief prepared by a layman. The principle applies in appellate practice. It ensures that briefs are prepared by qualified counsel. The principle reflects the seriousness of court business. It prevents laymen from preparing briefs. The court must reject such briefs. The principle provides guidance on court business.