Question

Difficulty: EasyThe Judiciary: Functions, Hierarchy of Courts, and Judicial Review

Match each Nigerian judicial body or legal concept in the left column with its correct constitutional function or definition in the right column.

  • Supreme Court of NigeriaThe apex court possessing final appellate jurisdiction over all legal disputes in Nigeria.
  • Court of AppealThe intermediate appellate body that hears appeals directly from High Courts and specialized tribunals.
  • High CourtA superior court of record with original jurisdiction over major trial-level civil and criminal matters.
  • Judicial ReviewThe constitutional power of competent courts to declare legislative laws or executive acts unconstitutional and void.

Answer

Supreme Court of Nigeria matches with the apex court of final appeal; Court of Appeal matches with the intermediate appellate body; High Court matches with the superior trial court of original jurisdiction; Judicial Review matches with the constitutional power to declare acts unconstitutional.
Each court and judicial mechanism is accurately paired according to its position in the constitutional structure of Nigeria: the Supreme Court as the apex final court, the Court of Appeal as the intermediate appellate court, the High Court as a major trial court of original jurisdiction, and judicial review as the check on executive and legislative constitutionality.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the position and jurisdiction of the highest court in Nigeria
The Supreme Court of Nigeria is matched to the apex court with final appellate jurisdiction.
Under Section 230 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the Supreme Court is the highest court in the hierarchy.
2
Determine the intermediate tier court in the hierarchy
The Court of Appeal is matched to the intermediate appellate body receiving appeals from High Courts.
The Court of Appeal sits directly below the Supreme Court and reviews decisions from trial courts.
3
Identify the primary trial-level court of original jurisdiction
The High Court is matched to the superior court of record with original trial jurisdiction.
High Courts serve as major trial courts for initiating legal claims and criminal proceedings.
4
Define the judicial mechanism of constitutional oversight
Judicial Review is matched to the power to nullify unconstitutional executive or legislative acts.
Judicial review is the specific mechanism by which courts ensure legislative and executive compliance with the Constitution.

Key Concept

Hierarchy of Nigerian Courts and Principles of Judicial Review
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