Legal Challenges and Prospects of Digital Trial Systems in Nigeria's Justice Administration

Abstract

In Nigeria, the delivery of justice is usually carried out through physical court processes, paper-based documentation, and manual processes in courts. However, the fast pace of technological growth as well as experiences from the COVID-19 period have expedited the use of digital trial processes such as virtual hearing of cases, electronic filing of documents, digital management of evidence, and online case management in the country. Despite all these developments, the lack of a legal framework, poor technological infrastructure, cybersecurity issues, procedural issues, and unequal access to digital technologies are still some of the challenges facing the implementation of digital trial systems. This study seeks to assess the legal challenges and prospects of digital trial systems in the administration of justice in Nigeria. In this regard, the objective of this research is to analyze the legal framework for digital trials in the country, identify implementation challenges, and recommend legislative changes. Doctrinal methodology is employed in the analysis of constitutional provisions, laws, court judgments, practice directions, and secondary sources such as journals, books, and articles. Findings show that the use of digital trials would greatly increase access to justice, minimize case backlogs, increase transparency, and enhance judicial efficiency.