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

Match each court in the Nigerian judicial system on the left with its primary constitutional jurisdiction or function on the right.

  • Supreme Court of NigeriaExercises final appellate jurisdiction in all legal matters and original jurisdiction in federal-state legal disputes
  • Court of AppealFunctions as an intermediate appellate body and holds original jurisdiction over presidential election petitions
  • High CourtOperates as a superior trial court of record with general jurisdiction over major civil and criminal proceedings
  • Customary Court of AppealHears appellate cases specifically arising from lower customary courts regarding traditional legal matters

Answer

Supreme Court of Nigeria matches with exercising final appellate authority and federal-state original jurisdiction; Court of Appeal matches with intermediate appeals and presidential election petition jurisdiction; High Court matches with superior original trial jurisdiction; Customary Court of Appeal matches with hearing appeals from lower customary courts.
Each court in the Nigerian judiciary is matched according to its specific constitutional tier and jurisdictional scope as outlined in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the functions of the apex court in Nigeria.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in Nigeria, having final appellate powers and original jurisdiction in intergovernmental disputes.
This establishes the top tier of the judicial hierarchy.
2
Identify the jurisdiction of the intermediate appellate tribunal.
The Court of Appeal handles appellate matters from High Courts and serves as the court of first instance for presidential election disputes.
This defines the second-highest court in the hierarchy.
3
Classify the trial court of broad jurisdiction.
High Courts serve as primary superior trial courts of record for serious civil and criminal litigations.
High Courts constitute the principal trial level among superior courts.
4
Distinguish specialized customary appellate courts.
The Customary Court of Appeal reviews decisions from lower customary courts regarding traditional legal systems.
This separates specialized customary appellate functions from general civil jurisdiction.

Key Concept

Hierarchy and Jurisdictional Division of Courts in Nigeria
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Topics

The Judiciary: Functions, Hierarchy of Courts, and Judicial Review

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