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VOL. 9, ISSUE 1 (2023)
Legal effects of plea bargain on correctional centres in Nigeria
Authors
Dr. Famous izobo esq
Abstract
The search for justice is as old as human
civilization. Man has, at various times of his development designed multiple
methods at different times for attaining a full proof of criminal justice
system. These various methods hitherto designed and applied in the face of
increasing industrialization, urbanization, population explosion, unemployment,
increased high-tech crimes (committed at the snap of the finger) in the face of
limited resources at the disposal of the state to effectively detect, prevent
or combat crime on the one hand, and to quickly and effectively dispense with
trials of offenders, manage the prison system flawlessly, has proven
ineffective, hence the need for a newer model - plea bargain- in our criminal
justice system in Nigeria. A plea bargain is a non-trial transaction where
there is an exchange of guilty plea by the defense for the prosecution’s
dispositional concession. An economical, restorative and expeditious
alternative to a trial mode procedure that permits restorative justice and non-custodial
sentence aimed principally at reducing prison reception. In July 2019, the
Nigerian Correctional Services Act (NCSA) 2019 was enacted. One of the key
objectives of the NCSA is to facilitate the speedy disposal of cases of persons
awaiting trial. The law addresses primarily, issues that were not covered under
the repealed Nigerians Prisons ACT 2004. The Act provides and sets out clear
cut rules and obligations for the Nigerian Correctional Service vis-à-vis the
rights of inmates in line with the internationally accepted standard and best
practices. This study aims at reviewing the Criminal Justice System in Nigeria,
with particular emphasis on the endemic challenges of congestion in the
Nigerian correctional centres and how plea bargain can be effectively deployed
to decongest it.
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Pages:248-260
How to cite this article:
Dr. Famous izobo esq "Legal effects of plea bargain on correctional centres in Nigeria". International Journal of Law, Vol 9, Issue 1, 2023, Pages 248-260
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