The death penalty debate in Nigeria

This paper discusses the death penalty debate. The paper examines jurisdiction of courts in Nigeria as per Capital punishment particularly focusing on superior courts of record starting with states or Federal High Courts, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court respectively. It also looks at courts of...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Ayeni, Augustine M. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
Published: 2016
In: African journal of law and criminology
Year: 2016, Volume: 6, Issue: 1, Pages: 75-85
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Check availability: HBZ Gateway
Keywords:
Death Penalty
Capital Offences
Jurisdiction
Right to Life
Description
Summary:This paper discusses the death penalty debate. The paper examines jurisdiction of courts in Nigeria as per Capital punishment particularly focusing on superior courts of record starting with states or Federal High Courts, Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court respectively. It also looks at courts of special criminal jurisdiction – Juvenile Courts and Court Martial, a special court established by the Armed Forces Act embracing the Nigerian Army Act Cap 294 Laws of the Federation (LFN), 2004, the Nigerian Air Force Act Cap 15 LFN, 2004 and the Nigerian Navy Act Cap 288 LFN, 2004. These Courts are for military personnel and military offences. The paper in addition, discusses arguments in favour and against death penalty. It discusses some theories of punishment like deterrence, retributive, reformative and rehabilitative theories among others respectively. In conclusion, the paper holds that the laws in any country are a product of the social conditions prevailing in that country and that Nigeria’s retention of death penalty speaks volumes. It advises that the country should affirm the unqualified right to life and ensure adequate protection of human rights in her territory.
ISSN:2045-8525