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CSS772Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Criminal Justice Administration In Nigeria

This course provides an in-depth exploration of the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, examining its evolution from pre-colonial times to the modern era. It covers the structure and hierarchy of courts, the roles of key personnel, and the legal frameworks governing criminal proceedings. The course also addresses the challenges and complexities of the criminal justice system, including issues related to juvenile justice, women, and victims of crime. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices that shape the administration of justice in Nigeria.

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156h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Criminal JusticeNigeriaCourt AdministrationJuvenile JusticeVictim Rights

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Pre-Colonial Justice Systems

2

Colonial Legal Frameworks

3

Post-Independence Court Structures

4

Jurisdiction and Legal Powers

5

Criminal Procedure and Processes

6

Juvenile Justice Administration

7

Role of Legal Personnel

8

Military Tribunals and Ouster Clauses

9

Victim Rights and Remedies

Total Topics9 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Legal Practitioner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Police Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Criminologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Security Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Court Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Law EnforcementJudiciaryCorrectionsLegal ServicesSecurity Sector

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction

4h

Unit 1: Introduction to the Administration of Criminal Justice in Nigeria

2 study hours
  • •Define key legal terms related to criminal justice administration.
  • •Explain the scope of causation, correction, and prevention of crime.
  • •Identify events that impacted the historical development of criminal justice.

Unit 2: Pre-Colonial Model of Criminal Justice Administration

2 study hours
  • •Critique the traditional system of criminal justice administration.
  • •Highlight the 'barbaric' and 'excellent' aspects of pre-colonial practices.
  • •Assess the extent to which traditional practices co-exist with modern practices.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction

3h

Unit 3: Criminal Justice Administration in Nigeria, (1861 – 1960)

3 study hours
  • •Critique the colonial criminal justice administration.
  • •Identify areas of conflict between traditional and colonial systems.
  • •Analyze the impact of foreign legal systems on criminology and security systems.
Week
3

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Administration of Justice: Courts Structure

2 study hours
  • •Describe, explain, illustrate, and critique the term 'jurisdiction'.
  • •Describe and explain the Nigerian Criminal Court System.
  • •Differentiate between general and limited jurisdiction.
Week
4

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: The Hierarchy of the Courts

3 study hours
  • •Sketch the hierarchical order of courts.
  • •Trace the origin of the courts and its development.
  • •Identify changes in the Court System since independence.
Week
5

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: Superior Courts

3 study hours
  • •Give a picturesque view of the Court system in Nigeria.
  • •Account for the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal.
  • •Critique the structure and hierarchy of Courts in Nigeria.
Week
6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 4: Superior Courts (Cont'd)

3 study hours
  • •Define the establishment, Constitution, jurisdiction etc of the Superior Courts studied in this Unit.
  • •Locate the position of each of the Courts in the hierarchy of Courts in Nigeria.
Week
7

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: Inferior Courts

3 study hours
  • •Establish the categorization of courts into 'Superior' and 'Inferior' Courts.
  • •Identify the powers exercisable by the inferior courts especially the Magistrates' court.
  • •Distinguish the Coroner from the Magistrate Courts.
Week
8

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: Inferior Courts (Cont'd)

3 study hours
  • •Distinguish the jurisdiction of the Area Courts from Magistrate Courts.
  • •Discuss meaningfully, the role of these Courts in presenting crimes.
  • •Demonstrate an understanding of the Juvenile criminal Justice administration and the coroners' inquest.
Week
9

Module 3:

3h

Unit 3: Other Courts

3 study hours
  • •Define the jurisdiction of a Court Martial.
  • •Describe a Coroner's Court
  • •Discuss the roles and functions of any of the Tribunals for the time, in existence.
Week
10

Module 4:

3h

Unit 1: Personnel of Criminal Justice Administration

3 study hours
  • •Identify the titles of various judges in Nigeria.
  • •Demonstrate an understanding of the pre-requisite, qualifications, appointment procedure, the tenure, removal from office and effects of incapacitation of specific judicial officers who functions at various levels within the judicial hierarchy.
  • •Identify the roles of other judicial officers, law enforcement agents etc. who may be involved in any judicial process.
Week
11

Module 4:

3h

Unit 2: Personnel of Court other than Judicial Officers

3 study hours
  • •Distinguish between judicial positions and legal offices.
  • •Explain, illustrate and critique the legal position of the Attorney-General, the Legal Practitioner and the Police in the administration of justice system.
Week
12

Module 5:

3h

Unit 1: Modern Administration of Justice

3 study hours
  • •Outline the post independence changes in the Administration of Criminal Justice
  • •Sketch the hierarchy of Courts Subsystem at the Centre
  • •Evaluate the Modern Criminal Justice Administration
Week
13

Module 5:

3h

Unit 2: Criminal Justice Administration in the Military Regime

3 study hours
  • •Critique the administration of criminal justice in the military era
  • •Compare and contrast criminal justice administration in democratic and dictatorial regimes.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

Access PDF Material

Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key events in the evolution of Nigerian criminal justice from pre-colonial to modern times.

2

Develop flowcharts outlining the structure and jurisdiction of different courts.

3

Prepare case briefs summarizing landmark cases discussed in the course materials.

4

Practice applying legal principles to hypothetical scenarios involving criminal offenses.

5

Focus on understanding the constitutional provisions related to fundamental rights and due process.

6

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and address any areas where you struggled.

7

Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 court structure and personnel roles.

8

Practice essay questions on the impact of military rule on the judiciary and the rights of crime victims.

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