ABSTRACT
Information and Communication Technology
law deals with the use of law to regulate matters arising and flowing from the
use of information Technology. In effect, an appraisal of the role of
Information and Communication Technology in Nigerian legal profession, deals
with the use of Information Technology in the Nigerian courts, law firms, legal
departments and institutions of legal learning. It will x-ray the significance
of Information and Communication Technology in the Nigerian legal profession,
internet crimes and abuses, ICT skills, admissibility of electronically
generated documents (evidence) in Nigerian courts, definition of basic concepts
of ICT and so on.
Chapter one presents the general introduction, objective,
scope, limitations and the coverage of the entire research work. Chapter two
handles the review of basic concepts, significance and challenges of ICT in the
Nigerian legal profession. Chapter three covers ICT and the law of evidence and
the admissibility of electronically generated documents in evidence. Chapter
four, x-rays matters arising from the use of ICT like defamation, internet
crimes and abuses, trademark, copyright and intellectual property law. Chapter
five houses the observations recommendations and conclusion. The significance
of ICT in the Nigerian legal profession are enumerated and explained in this
project work. The significance include: electronic communication, litigation
support service, research on the internet etc. We shall also see lawyers
obstacles of access to IT in the Nigerian legal profession. Some of the
obstacles are: lack of ICT skills, lack of interest and awareness, lack of
infrastructure etc. Also included in the research work are viable suggestions
on the improvement of the use of ICT in the Nigerian legal profession.
TENTATIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY
Table
of Cases
Table
of Statutes
List
of Textbooks
Unpublished Articles
Internet Materials
Journal Articles
Newspaper Articles
List of Dictionary
Table of Abbreviations
TABLE
OF CASES
Adesanya vs Palm Line Ltd [1967] LLR 18.
Anyaebosi vs R.T. Briscoe Nigeria Ltd. [1987] 3
N.W.L.R 84 (part 59).
Nuba Commercial Farms Ltd vs Nal Merehant Bank Ltd % anor [2001]
16 NWLR 510 (part 740).
Nahman vs Wolowicz (1993) 3 N.W.L.R 443.
Shell International Petroleum Co vs Allen Jones WIPO Cas NoD 2003 –
0821 of 18 December 2003.
Societe General de survelllance SA vs rastico
Nigeria Ltd
(19920 6 NWLR 93.
Young vs New Haven Advocate & the Hartford
Courant 315
F 3d 256 US Cout of Appeal, 4th Circ (2002).
TABLE OF STATUTES
Evidence Act,
2011
Copyrights Act
2004
Criminal Code
Act 2004
Computer Misuse
Act 1990
Copyright
Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Data Protection
Act 1984
Electronic Transaction
Act (Draft Bill) of Nigeria.
TEXT BOOKS LIST
Bambridge D.I ‘Introduction to Computer Law’ 1996,
Third Edition
Conly C.H. ‘Organising for Computer Crime Investigation and
Prosecution’ July, 1989.
Heathcote P.M., ‘A’
Level I C T.’ 2000, 2nd Edition.
Mabam B.C.E, ‘Fundamentals of Computer & Information
Technology’. First Published 2007.
McEwen, J.I., ‘
Dedicated Computer Crime Units’. June 1989.
Molly etal ‘Information and Communication Technology,’
Published 2000. Second Edition.
Red etal. ‘I.T.,
practitioners.’ First Published 2003.
Oliver and
Chapman. ‘Data Processing and Information
Technology’, 1996 10th Edition CS French.
The World Book
Encyclopedia, 4, 1998 Edition.
UNPUBLISHED ARTICLES
Barr F S N
Ogazi. ‘I C T and the law’ (Lecture note
on I CT and the law, delivered to the students of law faculty, EBSU, 2012).
Hon Justice Akhimie
Akhihiero. ‘The Face of Legal Research
in the 21st Century’. A Paper,
Presented at the Law Seminar held at the Conference Hall of the Edo State Ministry of Justice, on
the 27th day of June, 2008 by Hon justice Peter akhimie Akhihiero,
Judge of the Edo State Customary Court of Appeal, Benin city.
www.edocustomarycourt
ofappeal.org/a.. (visited 24th
May, 2013).
Sunday Mauton
A.P. ‘Information and Communication Technology
in the Nigeria Economy: In Proceedings of he Conference on Human and Economic
Resources’. Ideas.repec.org/../200626.html(visited 23rd may,
2013.)
INTERNET MATERALS
GBENGA Bamodu. ‘Information Communications
Technology and E-commerce: Challenges
and Opportunities for the Nigerian Legal System and Judiciary’ JILT 2004
(2)-
(JILT).<http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/law/elj/jilt/2004-2/bamodu/.
>-(visited 24 may, 2013).
Adekunle Adekoya. ‘ I C T has Made Things Easy in the Legal Profession.’ August 10, 2011.
www.allvoices.com/news/9912 384-nige… (visited 25 may, 2013).
Audu Echono. ‘I C T And the Advancement of Legal Studies and Practice in Nigeria’.
the lawyers chronicle.com >home>internet law (visited 24th
may, 2013).
Jide Awe. ‘Fighting Cybercrime in Nigeria’. www.jidaw.com/../security 7.html
(visited 25th may, 2013).
Carol A. Watson. ‘Internet Research Methodology’, digital
commons.law.uga.edu>Home>law library>presentations>8 (visited 26th
May, 2013).
ARTICLES
IN JOURNAL
Current
Trends in Law and Practice Journal. Vol. I, 2011.
Transparency, vol. I., No 20
August, 2006.
NEWSPAPER
ARTICLES
Onome Sifo W. ‘The Pen as an Endangered Species.’ TEL Nigeria’s Independent Weekly
No 17 April, 24, 2006 p 57.
Emmanuel I. Onu. ‘The Relevance of Computer to Industrial Development’. Afikpo Today.
Vol. 2 No 6 July – December, 2002 P 75.
Femi Ogunseitan. ‘Economic Power of the Internet’. The Guardian. Wednesday August 24,
2005, vol. 22 P 45.
Muhammed Rudman. ‘The Journey So Far For Nigeria’s Internet Exchange Point.’ The Guardian,
Wednesday, July 18. 2007. Vol. 25 p31.
‘NUC
Boss Pleads For More ICT Centres in Universities,’ Vanguard Wednesday,
October 26, 2005, vol 21 p 30.
Godwin Ijediogor. ‘ Unto US is Born … A Nigerian Keyboard’. The Guardian, Saturday,
April 23, 2005. Vol 21 PB 5.
LIST
OF DICTIONARIES
Garner, ‘Black’s law Dictionary’, 9th
Edition.
‘Chambers
21st Century Dictionary’, Revised Edition.
TABLE
OF ABBREVIATIONS
ICT: Information an Communication
Technology or Technologies.
IT: Information Technology.
CHAPTERIZATION
CHATPER ONE
GENERAL
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background
of the Study
1.2
Statement
of the Problem
1.3
Research
Questions
1.4
Objectives
of the Study
1.5
Research
Methodology
1.6
Significance
of the Study
1.7
Scope
of the Study
1.8
Limitation
of the Study
CHAPTER
TWO
LITERATURE
REVIEW
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Meaning
of Information and Communication Technology
2.2 Definition
of Concepts
2.3 ICT.
And the law.
2.4 Significance
of ICT in Legal Profession
2.5 Lawyers
Obstacles of Access to Information Technology in Nigeria
2.6 Challenges
of Information Technology in Nigerian Legal Profession
CHAPTER
THREE
ICT
AND LEGAL PRACTICE
3.1 Introduction
3.2 I C T and the Law of Evidence
3.3 Admissibility
of Electronically Generated Documents in Evidence
3.4 Importance
of I C T in Nigerian Legal Profession
3.5 Challenges
of I C T in Nigerian Legal Profession.
3.6 Suggestions
to a more Effective Utilization of I
CT in Nigerian Legal Profession
CHAPTER
FOUR
MATTERS
ARISING FROM I CT UTILISATION
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Defamation
in the Internet
4.3 Trademark,
Copyright and Intellectual Property Law
4.4 Computer/Internet
Crimes and Abuses
4.5 I
C T Skills
4.6 Advertisement of Law
Firm in the Internet
4.7 Client
Confidentiality.
4.8 Electronic
Filing of Cases
CHAPTER
FIVE
CONCLUSION
5.1 Observations
5.2 Recommendations
5.3 Conclusion.
CHATPER ONE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
1.1
Background of
the Study
Technological advancement is known
to impact fast rate of economic development in the modern society.
In Nigeria, policy on adoption of
information and communication Technology was initiated in 1999, when the
civilian came into power of government[1]. Therefore,
information technology is comparatively a new development in Nigeria solely
because Nigeria is blatantly less advanced in technical know how.
Following the emergence of ICT[2] in Nigeria, its impact are not limited to
legal profession, but has influenced other sectors in the Nigerian economy.
Infact, the advent of computer is a
monstrous force of catholic dimension and relevance. In terms of impact and
reach, it is the god of the industrial society, at once commanding the heart
and soul of the home.[3]
Computers have become almost close
substitute for the human brain that one may be tempted to think that computers
may displace human labour and create unemployment should they continue to undergo
refinements.[4]
Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft
Corporation and the world’s richest man, summed the significance of ICT in
these words: “Any business that hopes to succeed in the future must have internet
presence.[5]
It has been stressed that the new possibilities
provided by internet technologies present to African countries with an
opportunity to leapfrong phases of development and make use of the most recent
innovations to establish a strong information society and increase the
distribution of wealth among the populace, thereby addressing the poverty that
has plagued the continent from time immemorial till date.[6]
Commenting on the significance of
ICT, Prof. Manny Aniebonam, opines that with ICT facilities professionally
manned by the Afrihub Staff that the Nnamdi Azikiwe University has become a
university on the net instead of a university in the bush.[7]
Computer enables tasks to be
performed without the expenditure, at least at the time of performing them, of
quite so much human effort.[8]
What is more, there is now a
keyboard that allows one to write in
Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Kanuri, Efik etc in the same document alongside English,
without having to convert and switch from one key board to another.[9]
As stated earlier, the introduction
of ICT has revolutionalised legal profession in Nigeria. In effect, the
professional lives of lawyers have been fundamentally and forever altered by
the introduction of a new medium-the internet. For many, it is difficult to
imagine practicing law for even one day without using the internet in some
form.[10]
Indeed, ICT has far reaching effect
in the learning and practice of law. They have become useful tools, allowing
the use of massive legal information retrieval systems, and are of increasing
benefit to lawyers in the context of the preparation of documents,
administration, accounting and conveyancing and in terms of decision support.[11]
Law students, lawyers and judges now
use internet and its multi media component, the World Wide Web to access
materials from all over the world. There are search engines, containing the
addresses and details of websites; eg, yahoo, google and Microsoft Network search.[12]
Still in the field of legal
research, we have some legal websites which have large data bases of legal
materials. A good example of such websites are the websites of most legal
journals, eg, African law journal www.nigerianlawyers.org.[13]
A host of legal materials are loaded
in legal software mostly in CD-Roms.
ICT have given rise
to intranet networking arrangement. Intranet is a network of computers within
an organization accessible only by authorized user within the organization[14]
With ICT, global classroom could be
created for law students from several institutions to participate in the same
course, through bilateral and multilateral arrangements by the use of video conferencing[15].
ICT makes it possible to assemble
cases into different parts of the law like, criminal procedure, torts, land law
etc.
Expectedly, if
one has case on land, he/she could just look for what will help his/her case
through software.
The electronic publication of all
primary and subsidiary legislation is possible with the use of ICT. ICT can be
used to create a national network. Video conferencing and telecommunications
might enable the conduct of certain court hearings and other legally oriented
meetings without all the parities assembling in one physical location. A
virtual hearing is one where people do not meet face to face but information
technology reproduces many of the features of such meetings.[16]
ICT makes electronic transaction
possible. Judges and lawyers can access legal information world over. Law
students can look up judicial and statutory authorities in the internet with
laptops.
Law firms now have desktops, laptop
and other technology devices for speedy legal service delivery.
While the computer age with improved
telecommunications have resulted in great benefits to society, it has as well
created a wide variety of opportunities for illegal activities.[17]
Some of the problems posed by ICT include; computer crime and abuses, cyber jurisdiction
and conflict of laws issue. There is also a big challenge on the admissibility
of computer generated documents in evidence. There is lack of interest and
awareness over the significance of ICT and decrease in mental resourcesfulness
and manual research among legal practitioners. There is inadequate
infrastructure for full utilization of ICT in Nigerian legal profession. There is
inadequacy of ICT legislation in Nigeria as well.
Hence, this study aimes at
evaluating the meaning of ICT and its significance to legal profession in
Nigeria. It will also look into criminal offences associated with computers and
the remedies available at law. Similarly, the work will offer solutions to the
threats brought about by ICT.
1.2
Statement of the
Problem
Undoubtedly, a lot of obstacles face
the attainment of the maximum goal of ICT in Nigerian legal profession.[18] Some
of the problems are:
(1) Decrease in Mental Resourcefulness and Manual
Research
The use of computer and internet by
judges and lawyers has adverse effects on the mental resourcefulness of Nigerian
legal practitioners.[19]
They no longer make use of their God given intellect. Laptops have become the
principle note taking method for law students, with potential ill effects in
thoughtfulness, and also possibly bothering other students.
In effect, lawyers, judges and law
students pay less attention to manual (doctrinal) means of sourcing legal
information.[20].
(2) Lack of Interest and Awareness.
There is generally a lack of
interest in ICT, coupled with the low level of awareness and education ICT.[21] Accordingly however, because most Nigerian
lawyers has no ICT skills and ignorance of its relevance they rather develop
lack a daisical attitude to the use of ICT
in discharge of their professional duties.
(3) Lack of Infrastructures for full Maximization of
ICT.
There are the universally
acknowledged problems of infrastructures like electricity and telephone
facilities.[22]
Thus, unsteady power supply coupled with high cost of purchasing generator,
adversely affects the use of ICT in Nigerian legal profession.
(4)
Conflict of laws
Arising from Internet transactions.
In the information and communication
age, Nigerians could be involved in activities that have connections to other
countries. At some point, disputes are likely to arise out of the activities,
the transactional activities, conducted on the Web. Possible examples include: dissatisfaction
with the goods bought or services procured over the Web and fraud on the
consumer, (e.g, by fraudulent website operators or by hackers who steal financial
information). [23]
In
the above situation, if the contracting parties could not chose whichever
country’s law they wish to govern the transaction, there would be some
difficulties in the determination of the application law in the event of
conflict.
There
have been cases[24],
where the courts have proceeded on an almost automatic assumption that Nigerian
Law applies and overlooked that preliminary matter.
In
Europe, the European Union Countries have introduced a regime that is intended
to protect the consumer in such circumstances[25].
In Europe, the rules that apply in the determination of jurisdiction in civil
and commercial cases[26]
provides inter alia that a consumer can bring an action against the other party
to a contract (who is not also a consumer) in the consumer’s own home State.
It
is submitted that Nigerian lawmakers should consider similar provisions with
that of European countries with regards to Nigerian consumers[27].
(5)
Admissibility of Electronically Generated Documents in Evidence.
Following
the advent of ICT, there has been heated controversy in the Nigerian courts
amongst lawyers over the admissibility of computer records in evidence prior to
the promulgation of the Evidence Act 2011.
There is as well the problem on the
weight to be attached to an electronic document even when it satisfies the
tests laid down for its admissibility.
This,
in Nuba Commercial Farms Ltd vs. NAL Merchant Bank Ltd & anor[28],
the court of Appeal held that the admission in evidence by the court of first
instance of computer print outs as Secondary evidence of entries in a banker’s
book was wrong because, section 97 of the Evidence Act, do not contemplate
information stored ‘other than in a book’.
Similarly,
the debate as to whether computer print outs should be admissible as primary or
secondary evidence is still unsettled in the minds of Nigerian legal scholars.
In Anyaebosi vs RT Briscoe Nigeria Ltd[29],
the Nigerian Supreme Court held that computer print outs are admissible in
evidence as secondary evidence under what is now section 97 of the Evidence Act[30].
Happily,
section 84 of the Evidence Act 2011, now makes provision for the admissibility
of statements produced by computers.
(6)
Inadequacy of ICT Legislation.
Inadequacy of
ICT Legislation in ICT sector generates trouble in Nigerian legal professions.
Thus, there is no licensing scheme that regulates providers of some types of
internet service in Nigeria such as, certification service providers. The
internet service providers have been left to a system of self regulation[31].
Owing
to the absence of legislation to guide the court in ICT matters, lawyers and
judges now make use of foreign laws which most of the times does not suit the circumstances
of life in Nigeria.
(7)
Computer Crime and Abuse.
As
information communication technology have spread, so too have computer crime
and abuse[32].
The internet for example, is used not only by innocent members of the public but
also by fraudulent traders, paedophiles, soft-ware pirates, hackers and
terrorists. Their activities include: planting computer viruses, software
bootlegging, storing pornographic images and perpetrating all sorts of criminal
activities from credit card fraud to the most complete multinational money
laundering schemes[33].
1.3 Research Questions
A
cursory look on the background of the study and statement of the problem above
highlighted following the appraisal of the role of ICT in Nigerian legal
profession, would bring to the open the under listed pertinent questions. It
includes:
1.
What
is information and Communication Technology?
2.
What
are the Significance of ICT in Nigerian legal profession?
3.
What
are the basic concepts of ICT?
4.
How
can legal practitioners effectively use ICT techniques?
5.
What
are the barriers facing legal profession following the advent of ICT?
6.
How
can electronically generated documents be admissible in evidence?
7.
What
are the solutions to the challenges posed by ICT in Nigerian legal profession?
1.4 Objectives of the Study
The
prime objectives of this study are as follows:
1.
To
explain the meaning of ICT.
2.
To
identify the basic concepts of ICT.
3.
To
identify the significance of ICT in Nigerian legal profession
4.
To
show how legal practitioners can effectively use ICT techniques to boost legal
service delivery in Nigeria.
5.
To
demonstrate that computer documents are now admissible in evidence.
6.
To
identify the obstacles posited by ICT in Nigerian legal profession.
7.
To
offer solutions to the barriers of ICT in Nigerian legal profession.
1.5 Research Methodology
The
methodology that would be adopted in this project research is doctrinal research
method. Newspapers, books and journals germane to this work will not be spared.
There will be much reliance on internet materials.
1.6 Significance of the Study
It
is our hope that this research work will be of much benefit to lawyers, judges,
law students and other law officers. The work will encourage lawyers and judges
on the need to imbibe the culture of using technology devices to facilitate the
storage, retrieval and dissemination of vital legal information for successful
legal service delivery and pursuit of legal research and study.
The
work will give a priceless boon to law students. It will motivate law students
to have a re-think on the use of ICT mechanism in their academic work.
The
Research will provide the most needed inspiration for the Nigeria legislature
in the course of making ICT laws.
The
work will cause Nigerian Bar Association and Nigerian Council of Legal
Education to take steps towards ensuring that lawyers posses the potentials of
accessing legal materials in the internet.
The
work will also tender solutions to the challenges born by ICT in Nigerian legal
profession.
1.7 Scope of the Study
This
work centres on the appraisal of the role of ICT in legal profession in
Nigeria. The work equally evaluates factors that bedevil the use of ICT in the
working of law.
The
work cover issues relating to the admissibility of electronically generated
documents in evidence and other illegal activities birthed by the advent of ICT
in Nigerian legal profession.
The
research will evaluate cyber jurisdiction and conflict of laws in the internet.
1.8 Limitation of the Study
Researchers
always encounter difficulties along the line. Accordingly, in the course of
appraising the role of ICT in Nigerian legal profession, the following limitations
would be manifest.
1.
Inadequacy of fund to source materials in the
internet and/or buy necessary books needed in the research work.
2.
Epileptic/unsteady
power supply.
3.
Limited
time. This research work is expected to be completed within short period of
time. So, there may not be enough opportunity to get to the details needed in
the work.
4.
Unavailability
of research books on the topic. This owe to the fact that the topic chosen is
relatively new.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
Indeed,
computer technology is having an ever-growing impact upon society and the way
that society conducts its affairs. Computers have permeated almost every
professional, commercial and industrial activity and many organizations would
find it difficult, if not impossible, to function without relying heavily on
computers[34].
In
effect the work of legal practitioners involves a high level of documentation
and information processing, storage and retrieval[35].
The information intensiveness of a lawyer’s responsibility is such that tools
and technologies that would speed up the documentation, management and
information handling are not only important but professionally necessary. The
value of accuracy, correctness, completeness, relevance and timeliness are characteristics
of information which ICT systems do generate to meet lawyer’s information
needs.[36]
These
technologies and platforms have created a “global village,” in which people can
communicate with others across the world as if they were living next door.[37]
Hence this chapter will give a vivid view of
scholars on the meaning of ICT, its significance in legal profession and
concepts associated with ICT. It will also evaluate the factors that hinder
lawyers from using ICT techniques in the discharge of their duties and the
challenges of IT in Nigerian legal profession.
2.2 Meaning of ICT
Information
Communication Technology (ICT)[38]
is an umbrella term that includes all technologies for the manipulation and
communication of information.[39]
ICT
refers to Technologies that provide access to information through
telecommunications[40].
ICT covers any product that will store, retrieve, manipulate, transmit or
receive information electronically in a digital form. For example, this
includes personal computers, digital television and robots. On a broader level,
this also includes the internet, intranet, email, wireless networks, cell
phones and other communication mediums.[41]
More
so, ICT has been defined as “a broad based technology (including its methods,
management and application) that supports the creation, storage, manipulation
and communication of information” (French, 1996)[42].
According to Hang and Keen in Nworgu (2007), information technology means a set
of tools that helps you work with information and perform tasks related to
information processing[43].
Actually,
the term originated as Information Technology until recently when it was
thought that the communication component ought to be highlighted because of its
significance. It was then that the concept transformed to Information and
Communication Technology (Olusanya and Oleyede, 2003).[44]
ICT
may also be defined as the study, design, development, implementation, support
or management of computer based information system especially software
application and computer hardware. It entails the use of computers and
information based electronic system to input, process, store, output, transmit
and receive data information-including texts, graphic, sounds and video as well
as the ability to control machines of all kinds-electronically.[45]
ICT
also comprise computers, networks, satellites communication, orbits, video
texts, cable television, e-mail system, automated equipment.[46]
K.
Mary Reid, Opines that the terms Information Technology and Information and
Communication Technology are widely used and mean much the same. Both refer to
the use of modern electronic (digital) technologies to store and Communicate
Information[47]. They cover all the hardware and software that
make up computer systems, and include a wide range of computer networks,
including the internet.[48]
2.3 Significance of ICT in Nigerian Legal
Profession
In
this head, we intend to discuss the significance of ICT in the Nigerian legal
profession in the light of legal practice and legal education pari passu.
Commenting
on the significance of ICT within the context of legal studies and practice,
Audu Echono[49], identified ten objectives of ICT in legal
profession. They include:
i.
Facilitate
the storage, retrieval and dissemination of vital legal information for the
successful pursuit of legal research and study.
ii.
Facilitate
the performance of routine processes like the amendment of law, indexing and
abstracting services.
iii.
Serve
as a link among the various legal education institutions; as well as foster
necessary co-operation and working relationship among them. This would also
facilitate intellectual resource garnering and sharing.
iv.
Assist
in the formulation of legal studies syllabus that would have universal
acceptability and applicability.
v.
Support
learning and teaching in specialized areas of video conferencing,
teleconferencing, group discussion, questions and answers sessions and moot
court trials.
vi.
Assist
in the publication of research findings, law books, law reports, law journals
and other valuable technical reports.
vii.
Generally
allow or permit instant access to current information on an extensive scale.
viii.
Stimulate
effective networking of various legal
training institutions for the purpose of cross-fertilizing knowledge in various
legal disciplines.
ix.
Enable
large number of students and researchers to have ready access to case law and
other legal materials more efficiently than having them queue up for access to
a limited number of books in the library.
x.
Facilitate
effective communication between teachers and students particularly in distance
learning and continuing education programs.
Dr.
A.U. Nwabueze,[50]
opines that the globalization driven by ICT is having a phenomenal impact on
acquisition of legal, and other relevant learning, teaching and research
materials in law libraries across the country. Through ICT, lawyers and
students can have access to current court proceedings/cases and law reports anywhere,
any time and in any form in the country.
In
the words of Adekunle Adekoya,[51] IT
has also helped in the sense that a lot of lawyers or some firm today have been
able to work out a system whereby they assemble a lot of cases and they are
assembled in a way that they can actually have access to it. They are assembled
in a way that it has been divided into the different parts of the law like
criminal law, criminal procedure, torts, land law, etc.
Omekwu,[52]
indicated that, the use of digital technology has led to migration of lawyer’s
instrument of trade to electronic formats. Judicial decisions and all other
sources of information germane to the work of lawyers are now available in
electronic format. Many of these materials can be accessed on line.
Eke[53],
(2004) stressed that due to the importance of ICT in the development of
Nigerian legal system, there is a paradigm shift from acquisition of print
information resources to electronic resources in law libraries. For instance,
availability of the internet or related computer network (such as Local Area
Network) can provide quick access to relevant legal information in electronic
format in law libraries than is manually possible. Hence, effective adoption
and use of ICT in law libraries will be immensely beneficial for sustainable
development in Nigeria by ensuring that relevant and current information is
made available for legal practice for enhanced productivity[54].
Azinge[55],
identified five key areas of IT relevance to lawyers. It includes the
following:
1.
Internet
access to judicial decision: With IT facilities like a personal computer, a
dial-up or wireless connectivity, a lawyer can now access judicial decisions of
the supreme court of Nigeria, and all the House of Lord Judgments. Online legal
databases like Lexis/Nexis and Westlaw are already a practical experience of
legal professionals in developed countries.
2.
Electronic
Communication: Digital technology provides the platform for lawyers to:
(a) Transmit and receive
message from clients, colleagues and the court system.
(b) Gain access to
the internal know-how of the institutional memory of a law firm and
(c) Provide access
to information on specific subject matters.
3.
Litigation
support service: Information technology is relevant to the lawyers’ management
and control of the diverse documents which they have to master in order to
advance and prepare their clients’ case.
4.
IT
system allows a lawyer to work on many documents simultaneously while at the
same time down loading materials from the internet. He can copy and paste one
document to another or from one section of document to another.
5.
ICT is also relevant in the area of basic text
retrieval, use of CD-ROM systems and quicker and more qualitative service to
clients and co-operation between counsel, clients, courts and law investigation
and enforcement institutions.
Jide
Owoeye,[56]
opines that the work of a legal practitioner involves a high level of
documentation and information processing, storage and retrieval. The
information intensiveness of a lawyer’s responsibility is such that tools and
technologies that would speed up the documentation, management and information
handling are not only important but professionally necessary. The value of
accuracy, correctness, completeness, relevance and timeliness are
characteristics of information which ICT systems do generate to meet lawyer’s information
needs.
In
the words of Abe Krash,[57]
technology has changed legal practice in the following ways:
i.
It has relieved associates of some tasks that
were once laborious and time consuming. It is now possible to say with
considerable certainty that a search for all the relevant precedents or
statutes in all the states on a particular point of law is comprehensive, or
that all the thousands of documents with respect to some issue have been
reviewed.
ii.
It has improved a firm’s ability to manage
transactions and those situations where documents are standardized and need
only be adapted to the particular matter.
iii.
In a large case involving many lawyers within
the firm, it is now possible to communicate rapidly with colleagues.
iv.
It has facilitated deposition and trial
practice. For instance, a lawyer taking or defending a deposition can instantly
gain access to relevant documents.
v.
New technology has improved communications
with clients. For instance, in the past a client might call outside counsel to
consult about a suit instituted against the client. It was frequently a time
consuming-task for counsel to assemble information concerning the proceeding,
but with current technology, such data can be downloaded in a few minutes.
Similarly,
bringing the divide between Information and Communications Technology and the
legal profession, the Nigerian Bar Association has launched the Digital Bar
Initiative aimed at bringing together men of the profession[58].
The digital Bar Initiative will make use of a portal with the use of an
automated card like the popular ATM[59],
that will portray the identity of every registered member of the law
profession.[60]
3.4 Definition of Concepts
Myriad
concepts are congruent to appreciable understanding of Information and
Communication Technology. Some of these concepts are:
Software
Search Engine
Internet
World Wide Web
CD-ROM
Database
Electronic Mail (E-Mail)
Google
Computer Crime
Computer
Network
Intranet
We
would try to explain the meaning of most of these concepts.
Software:
Software is the term used (in
contrast to hardware) to describe all programs that are used in a particular
computer installation. The term is often used to mean not only the programs
themselves but their associated documentation.[61]. Software has also been explained as
consisting instructions to be carried out by a computer[62].
Search
Engine:
A search engine is a software
that allows you to types a word or phrase into a box and then view all the
results that it finds.[63] Search engines are huge databases containing
addresses and details of hundreds of thousands, if not millions of websites.[64]
Internet:
This is a world wide computer
network to which tens of millions of computers are linked.[65]
Internet consists of millions of computers around the world that are connected
to one another-through communication lines. Each computer on the internet
offer information which can be accessed
by anybody with the right equipments.[66]
World
Wide Web:
This
is a part of the internet that includes text, graphics, video, animations and
sound[67]
CD-ROM[68]
This is a disc, much like an audio
compact disc, that stores computer programs and files.
Data base:
This is a large body of information
that can be searched in several ways[69].
Electronic Mail
(E-mail):
This is a manual system involving physical
movement of information[70].
Electronic mail is one of the most used features available on the internet and
through on-line services.[71]
Google:
One of the best
known and most powerful search engines is Google[72]
Computer Crime:
Computer assisted
crime includes e-mail scams, hacking, distribution of hostile software (viruses
and worms) denial of service attacks, theft of data, extortion, fraud and
impersonation.[73]
Computer:
Computer is an electronic device or machine
that is capable of accepting inputs or data through input devices, processes
the inputs and generates appropriate results which are
displayed through output devices[74].
It also means an electronic device
which processes data at great speed according to a program stored within the
device.[75]
2.5 ICT
and the Law
Under this head,
we will examine how ICT can help lawyers, law students and other legal personal
in the legal professional for effective legal service delivery.
Following the advent of ICT, law
firms now use document assembly. Document assembly tools prompt the lawyer to
enter information about the facts and issues involved in a matter.[76]
Andrew Stranieri and John Zeleznikow
have emphasized that computer can predict outcomes of suits in court[77].
For justice workers generally, ICT
can be use to create a national legal network. With ICT, we could develop
facility in which legions of users can secure confidential, reliable, private
networks (virtual) linking together everyone working in the justice system. The
network could be a telecommunication infrastructure conveying not just
conventional message and documents but
also carrying video conferencing, databases, bundles of documents, images,
video recordings and voice messaging as well[78].
ICT is useful for lawyers and judges
in that within a law firm the use of group ware and intranet[79]
technologies will enhance the dissemination of information and know-how. Such
could be used simultaneously by many practitioners and relevant materials shared
amongst them for effective co-ordination is providing legal services. Thus,
persons within a firm can search a combination of institutional files and
external virtual legal libraries[80].
For law students, it may be used in
schools for making notes, text books and supplementary reading lists available
to the students[81].
These could be in form of:
(a)
Access
to digital library including texts of public lectures, articles, law reports
and public documents.
(b)
Making
available a library of sounds and video materials, audio and television
sounds/materials.
(c) Students may
have access to a wide range of commercial data base such as lexisnexis, west
law, lawtel, context etc or even to free sites like www.findlaw.com for law
reports. One may access Nigeria law reports for free at Nigeria internet law
reports available at www.nigerianlaw.org//law. Other Nigerian law report
websites include: www.gaulonline.com; www.tomalegalretrieve.org, www.lawpavillion.com
etc.
Digital technology has become
important in trials in recent decades because it permits simultaneous or
re-creations of events involved in law suits to an extent not previously
possible.[82]
In law offices, word processing is
crucial to courts. But electronic filing is probably the major development
computers have had on court operation.[83]
2.6 Lawyers Obstacles of Access to IT in
Nigeria
Here,
we will identify the factor that hinders Nigerian lawyers from the use of IT
gadgets in discharge of their professional obligations. Some of the factors
include:
1. Lack of interest and Awareness:
There
is generally a lack of interest in ICT, coupled with the low level of awareness
and education ICT.[84]
Accordingly, most Nigerian lawyers are not interested in the employment of IT
techniques in the discharge of their official duties. Similarly however, they
have not really envisaged the booming benefits that IT holds in legal
profession. This reason has kept most lawyers very far form IT related issues
making them to be adamant towards the use of IT devices.
2. Lack of ICT Skills
Most
Nigerian lawyers are not computer literate.[85]
This owe to the fact that ICT is relatively new in Nigeria. In effect, some
lawyers were not taught computer in their university and secondary school days.
Currently, most lawyers can hardly access legal information using ICT channels.
3. Cost
The
cost of acquiring technology devices like, laptops, desktops, generator etc are
very high. Following the cost associated with the purchase of IT techniques
some lawyers now go to commercial café to source for legal materials that will assist
his case or matter.
4. Lack of Infrastructure
There
are universally acknowledged problems of infrastructure like electricity and
telephone facilities[86]. Thus, the constant epileptic power supply in
Nigeria has really affected Nigerian lawyers adversely.
5. Lack of Priority[87]
Nigerian
policy makers give priority to other sectors they consider to be more
commercial and profit-yielding ventures over educational and other
public-oriented social programs. This has ill effects on Nigerian legal
profession as attention is not paid to ICT issues.
2.7 Challenges of IT in Nigerian Legal
Profession
Despite growing pressure to find
new ways to manage information, advocates of more widespread adoption of
sophisticated IT in law face a number of potential barriers[88].
Some of the challenges associated with IT include; the admissibility of
computer records in evidence and conflict of laws in respect of the rights and
obligations of parties over transactions conducted in the internet.
Similarly, there is inadequate
legislation to regulate the use of IT in Nigeria.
This has made Nigerian courts and
lawyers to import foreign laws when conflict arises from the use of IT. These
foreign laws do not satisfy the yearnings of disputants most of the times. Equally
problematic are matters relating to copyright and conflict arising from trade
mark registration as it concerns the internet.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSIONS
5.1 Observations
Indeed,
this research work has exposed the researcher to many ideas and information.
Accordingly,
the researcher observed that though the significance of the advent of
information and communication Technology in Nigerian legal profession cannot be
over-emphasized, it has undoubtedly created new opportunities for computer
crimes and abuses. For instance, the internet is used not only by innocent
members of the public but also by fraudulent traders, pedophiles, software
privates, hackers and terrorists.[1]
The
researcher also observed that prior to the promulgation of the Nigerian
Evidence Act 2011, the position of the law as to whether or not electronically
generated evidence would be admissible in court as primary or secondary
evidence, was unsettled. For example, in Nuba Commercial Farms Ltd vs Nal Merchant Bank Ltd & Anor[2],
the Court of Appeal held that the admission of computer print outs as secondary
evidence of entries in a banker’s book was wrong, whereas in Anyaebosi vs R. T.
Briscoe Nigeria ltd,[3] it
was held among other things, that computer print outs are admissible as
secondary evidence.
Notwithstanding,
legal scholars like, Osibanjo,[4]doubted
whether electronically generated evidence will be admissible in court in the
absence of an amendment to the old Evidence Act, 2004. On the other hand,
Sebastian,[5] is
however, of the firm belief that even
prior to the enactment of the 2011 Evidence Act, electronically generated
evidence is admissible in courts.
Be
that as it may, the researcher as well, observed that the emergence of the new
Nigerian Evidence Act,[6] makes provision for the admission of computer records
in evidence in section 84. More so, the effects of sections 84 and 89 (h) of
the new Evidence Act,[7] made it crystal clear that computer print
outs are admissible in courts as secondary evidence.
Similarly,
the researcher, observed that the incessant cases of internet defamation,
abounds because internet service providers are not being made liable as the
publisher of libelous remarks, originated by another person, but published by
them in the internet[8].
Nonetheless,
the researcher observed also, that there is the problem of conflict of laws
arising from internet/ e-ecommerce transactions.[9] Thus,
in the information and electronic age, more and more Nigerians will be involved
in activities that have connections to countries other than Nigeria. In effect,
at some point or other, dispute are likely to arise out of activities, the
transactional activities, conducted on the web. The dispute take the form of
what country’s law amongst the contracting parties should apply? Or, do the
court of one of the parties have competence to adjudicate over the matter?
The
researcher, also observed that law students, judges and lawyers does not fully
utilize ICT techniques in legal service delivery.
More
so, the researcher observed that there is no Nigerian law specifically meant to
regulate the use of ICT.
The
researcher as well observed that over reliance on the use of IT gadgets for
legal service delivery, will lead to
retardation of mental resource- fulness and thoughtfulness amongst lawyers,
judges and law students. In effect, manual method of drafting legal documents
may be forgotten as lawyers, judges and law students will imbibe the culture of
downloading already made legal materials
from the internet. It will also lead to
the sight of doctrinal research mechanism as an antiquated means of undertaking
legal research.
On
the issues of trademark and intellectual property, the researcher observed
still that the principal area of dispute is where some one knows a particular
trademark to belong to another person but registers it as his own domain name.
Or, where a domain name is registered by some one who knows it is the same as a
trademark belonging to some one else, or very similar to such a trade mark but
intends to use it to deceive the public as seen in the case of Shell International
Petroleum Co vs Allen Jones,[10]
earlier discussed.
However,
concerning matters relating to copyright, the researcher observed that works eligible
and subsisting as copyright within the contemplation and dictates of the copyright
Act, enjoy protection from infringement and the doing of any act prohibited
under the Act in relation to the work by
some one who is not the author would amount to infringement of copyright and
attendant to which are both civil and criminal liabilities.[11]
5.2 Recommendations
Having seen the pitfalls which
came to the fore at the wake of information and communication technology in
Nigerian legal profession, the
researcher therefore recommends the following:
1.
The
Nigerian legislature should expedite action on the enactment of the abandoned
electronic transactions bill and other legislations that will facilitate the
growth of electronic commercial transaction in the Nigerian economy.[12] Such other law should address the issues of
when contract is said to have been validly made in e-commerce, and the law that
would render computer proprietors liable where for instance, one computer make
a contract with another computer without human input, which obtains in other
countries like, United States of America.[13]
2.
The
Nigerian Bar Association, should adopt a yard stick on the usefulness of ICT
gadgets in the Nigerian legal profession. This owe to the fact that heavy
reliance on the use of IT mechanisms in the teaching and practice of law will
surely retard mental resourcefulness and thoughtfulness amongst law students
judges and lawyers. If steps are not taken toward curtailing the use of IT in
Nigerian legal profession, it will in the long run discourage drastically the
drafting of legal documents manually and put into extinction the doctrinal
method of conducting legal research.
3.
On
the issue of defamation on the internet, Nigerian legislature should make law
which would make internet service providers liable as the publisher of libelous
remarks, originated by another person, but published by them in the internet.[14]
Surely, this will compel the I.S.P.[15] to
scrutinize very well any article that comes to them before publishing same for
the public in the internet.
4.
Concerning
the conflict of law arising from internet transactions,[16]
the United Nations should make treaties/conventions on ICT that will be binding
and enforceable amongst the state.
5.
Law
students should not only be taught computer appreciation in the universities,
but should be given opportunity to practice what they have been taught under
necessary supervision. This will go a long way assisting them on the use of IT
techniques with ease after their call to the bar.
6.
Judging
computer related crimes need players with adequate computer knowledge on the
technical side.[17]
So judges that have little or no computer education should make due with
technology experts when faced with matters on information technology.
7.
Workshops,
conferences and seminars should be organized frequently by the Nigerian Bar
Association for lawyers and judges on the use
of IT in the discharge of their professional obligations.
8.
There
should be a separate court for trails regarding computer related crimes and
judges that are conversant with bits and bytes, like the juvenile court system
in which lots of proceedings in the normal court system doesn’t apply there.[18]
9.
Nigerian
legislature should enact a law specifically regulating internet/computer crimes
like, cyber pornography, hacking, planting of computer viruses, etc as does
other countries like UK, USA, India and so on.
10.
On
the issues relating to trademark, copyright and intellectual property theft, the Nigerian courts should
make haste to protect owners of intellectual
property and mete out the due punishment on any infringer accordingly. This will no doubt encourage
Nigerians to come up with innovations on the hope that those who delight
reaping where they have not sown (intellectual property infringer) will be punished
under the law.
5.3 Conclusion
Despite the alarming importance
of information and Communication technology in Nigerian legal profession, it
has equally become a forum for the perpetration of various kinds of frauds and
criminal activities. However, it is because of the impact of IT in Nigerian
legal profession that the author of this work made the above recommendations to
ensure that the use of IT is completely regulated in Nigeria.
Accordingly
however, it is the hope of the author of this work that the Nigerian
legislature should put into action the recommendations herein enumerated.
The
author of this work, hopes that legal practitioners should take bold steps
toward learning and embracing the culture of discharging their duties with the
help of IT gadgets.
The
author hopes that the Nigerian Bar Association should welcome and put into
action the recommendations made in this work.
It
is also the expectation of the author of this work that the United Nations
should make treaties/conventions that will have binding effects on member
states, signatory to same, to help tackle the problems of conflict of law is the
internet.
The
author of this work expects that defamation in the internet will be minimized,
if not completely eradicated, if internet service providers are made liable for
the unscrutinized materials they publish for public use which turn out to be
defamatory.
[1] Heathcote P.M; ‘A Level ICT,’ Second Edition, 2000, p 44.
[2] [2001] 16 N.W.L.R 510 (Part 740).
[3] [1987] 3 N.W.L.R 84 (Pat 59)
[4] Yemi Osibanjo, ‘Electronically Generated Evidence’, in Afe Babalola Law & Practice of Evidence in Nigeria, 2011 at pp 243-273... Current Tends in Law & Practice Journal vol. 1 2011, p 38.
[5] Sebastain Hon, ‘Law of Evidence in Nigeria: Substantive and Procedural’ 2006 pp 754-767. Current Trends in Law & Practice Journal. Vol 1. 2011. P 39.
[6] Evidence Act 2011.
[7] Evidence Act 2011.
[8] Dr. Epiphany Azinge, ‘Information Technology Law’. Information Technology & Legal Practice. A journal of the Nigerian Bar Assoicaiton. P. 88.
[9] Gbenga Bamodu, ‘Information Communication Technology and E-Commerce: Challenges and Opportunities for the Nigerian Legal System and Judiciary’. (JILT) http://www.2.2warwick.ack.uk/fac/soc/law/elj/jilt/2004-2/bamodu/.(visisted 24th May, 2013).
[10] Wipo Case No D 2003-0821 of 18 December 2003, text available online as of 29/04/04 at: http://www.arbiter.wipo.int/domains/decisions/html/2003/d2003-0821.html (Visited 24th May, 2013.)
[11] Mr. Kanyinsola Ajayi, ‘Information Technology and legal practice.’ Continuing legal Education Workshop series 2003/2004 p. 12.
[12] Gbenga Bamodu, ‘Information Communication Technology and E-Commerce: Challenges and Opportunities for the Nigeria legal system and Judiciary’ (JILT) < http://www.l.warwick.ac.uk/fac/law/elj/jilt/2004-2bamodu/>. (Visited 24th May, 2013).
[13] For instance, sections 102 and 107 of the United states Uniform Computer Information Transaction Act 1999, makes any person that uses an electronic agent he/she has selected for making an authentication, performance, or agreement including manifestations of assent, bound by the operations of the electronic agent even if no individual was aware of or reviewed the agent’s operations or the results of the operations. ,
[14] Dr. Epiphany Azinge, ‘Information Technology Law.’ Information Technology & Legal Practice. A Journal of the Nigerian Bar Association . p 88.
[15] The Abbreviation of Internet service provider
[16] Gbenga Bamodu, ‘Information Communication Technology and E-Commerce: Challenges and Opportunities for the Nigerian Legal system and Judiciary.’ (JILT) http://www.2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/law/elj/jict/2004-2/bamodu/. (visited 24th May, 2013).
[17] Ahmed Aliju Ahmed, ‘The law and the use of Computers in Nigeria’. http://techtrendsng.com/the-law-and-the-use-of-computers-in-nigeria/ (visited 1st June, 2013).
[18]Op. cit. Ahmed Aliju Ahmed.
[1]
Sunday Mauton. A.posu:’ Information and
Communication Technology in the Nigerian Economy’: In proceedings of the
Conference on Human and Economic Resources.’ Ideas repec.org/../200626.ntml
(visited 23rd May, 2013).
[2] An
acronym for Information and Communication Technology or Technologies. According
to Audu Echno ‘ ICT And the Advancement of Legal Studies and Practice in Nigeria’.
Thelawyerschronicle.com>home>InternetLaw (visited 24th May,
2013).
[3]
Onome Osifo Whiskey, ‘The Pen as an
Endangered Species.’ TEL Nigeria’s Independent weekly No 17 April, 2006 p
57.
[4]
Emmanuel I. Onu. ‘The Relevance of
Computer to Industrial Development’. Afikpo Today. Vol 2 NO 6 July-December
2002 p 75.
[5]
Femi Ogunseitan. ‘Economic power of the
Internet.’ The Guardian, Wednesday, August 24, 2005. Ovl 22 p 45.
[6]
Muhammed Rudman. ‘The Journey so Far for
Nigeria’s Internet Exchange Point.’ The Guardian, Wednesday, July 18, 2007.
Vol 25 p 31.
[7] ‘NUC boss Pleads for More ICT Centres in
Universities’, Vanguard, Wednesday October 26, 2005, vol 21 p 30.
[8]
Colin Taper: ‘Computer Law’ 1982
third 2nd Edition.
[9]
Godwin Ijediogor .’Unto Us is Born… A
Nigerian Keyboard’. The Guardian Saturday April, 2005, vol 21 p B5.
[10]
Marcus L. Richard. ‘The Impact of
Computers on The legal profession’, Northwestern University Law Review vol
102.Nbr.4, No .4, October 2008. http://law-JOurnal-books (visited 24th
May, 2013).
[11]
David I. Bainbridge. ‘Introduction To
Computer Law’ 1996, Third Edition.
[12]
Hon justice Peter Akhimie Akhihiero. ‘The
Face of Legal Research in the 21st Century.’ :Being a Paper
Presented at the Law Seminar held at the Conference Hall of the Edo State
Ministry of Justice, on 27th day of June, 2008. www.edocustomarycourtofappeal.org/a...
(visited 24th May, 2013).
[13]
Ibid. Hon Justic Akhihiero P.A.
[14]
Ibid. Hon Justice Akihiero P.A.
[15]
Audu Echono, ‘ICT and the Advancement of
Legal Studies and Practice in Nigeria’,
thelawyerschroniclecom>Home>Internet
law (visited 24th May, 2013).
[16] ‘
ICT And the Law’, Lecture note on ICT
And the law delivered by Barr. F S N Ogazi, Lecturer, Faculty of Law EBSU,
2012.
[17]
McEwen J.T., ‘Dedicated Computer Crime
Units’ June, 1989.
[18]
Audu Echono. ‘ICT And the Advancement of
Legal Studies and Practice in Nigeria.’
thelawyersschroniclecom>Home>Internet
law (visited 24th may, 2013).
[19]
Marcus L.R. ‘The Impact of Computers on the legal profession: Evolution or
Revolution’ Northwestern university law review vol 102 Nbr. 4, October
2008. http://law-journals-books. (visited 24th May, 2013).
[20]
Ibid. Marcus L.R.
[21]
Audu Echonon ‘ ICT And The Advancement of
Legal Studies And Practice in Nigeria’.
thelawyerschronicle.com>Home>InternetLaw (visited 24 May, 2013).
[22]
Ibid Echonon .A.
[23]
Gbenga Bamodu. ‘Information
Communciations Technology and E – commerce. Challenges and opportunities for
the Nigerian legal system and Judiciary’. Jilt 2004. (Jilt). http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/law/elj/jilt/2004-2/bamodu/.
(visited on 24th May, 2013).
[24]
E.g., Societe Generale de Surveillance SA VS Rastico Nigeria Ltd (1992) 6 N W L
R 93; Nahman Vs Wolowicz (1993) 6 N W L R 443 and Adesanya Vs Palm Line Ltd
(1967) L L R 18.
[25]
Ibid Gbenga Bamodu
[26]
Council Regulation 44/2001, ‘The Brussels 1 Regulation’, especially Articles 15
and 16
[27]
Ibid Gbenga Bamodu.
[28]
(2001) 16 N.W.L.R. 510 (part 740).
[29]
(1987) 3 N.W.L.R 84 (part 59).
[30]
Evidence Act 2011.
[31]
Gbenga Bamodu. ‘Information Communication
Technology and E-Commerce: Challeges and Opportunities for the Nigerian legal
system and Judiciary’-Jilt 2004 (2)-(Jilt). <http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/law/elj/jilt/2004-2/bamodu/>. (visited 24th
May, 2013).
[32]
Heathcote P.M. ‘’A’ level ICT’. 2000, 2nd Edition. P 44
[33]
Ibid Health cote P.M.
[34]
Bambridge D.I. ‘Introduction to Computer
‘1996, Third Edition.
[35]
Jide Owoeye, ‘Information Communication
Technology (ICT) Use as a Predictor of Lawyers’ Productivity; http://unccib.unb.edu/Lpp/
[36]
Ibid Jide Owoeye.
[37]
Audu Echono, ‘ICT and The Advancement of
Legal Studies and Practice in Nigeria’.
Thelawyerschronicle.com>some>internetlaw
(visited 24th May, 2013).
[38]
An acronym For Information and Communication Technology or Technologies; Audu
Echono, ‘ICT And The Advancement of Legal
Studies and Practice in Nigeria’
thelawyers chronnle.com>home>Internetlaw
(visited 24th May, 2013).
[39]
Jide Owoeye, ‘Information Communication Technology (ICT) Use as a Predictor of Lawyers’ Productivity;
http://unllib.unl.edu/LPP/
[40]
Ibid Audu Echono.
[41]
Ibid Audu Echono.
[42]
Dr. A.U. Nwabueze, ‘Information and
communication Technology for sustainable Development in Nigeria’
http://www.webpages.uidaho.edu/mbolin/nwabueze-ozioko.htm
(visited 1st June, 2013).
[43]
Ibid Dr A.U. Nwabueze.
[44]
Ibid Dr. A.U. Nwabueze
[45]
Barr. FSN Ogazi, ‘ICT and The Law’,
Lecture note delivered to Law Students, Faculty of law, EBSU, Abakalik, 2012.
[46]
Ibid Barr. F.S.N. Ogazi.
[47]
Reid et al, ‘I.T Practitioners’ First
Published, 2003. P 68.
[48]
Ibid Reid et al. p 68.
[49]
Audu Echnon, ‘ICT and The Advancement of
Legal Studies and Practice in Nigeria.’
thelawyerschronicele.com>home>Internetlaw
(visited 24th May, 2013).
[50]
Dr. A.U. Nwabueze, ‘Information and
Communication Technology for sustainable Development in Nigeria.’
http://www.webpages.uidah.edu/-I/mbolin/nwabueze-Ozioko.htm
(visited 1st June, 2013).
[51]
Adekunle, Adekoya, ‘ICT has Made Things
Easy in the Legal Profession’ August 10, 2011.
www.allvoices.com/news/9912384-nige... (visisted 25 May, 2013).
[52]
Omekwu C.O. ‘Information Technology
Fundamentals for Lawyers.’ Paper Presented at Staff Seminar of NIALS. October, 2004, 1-28
[53]
Jide Owoeye, ‘Information Communication Technology, (ICT) Use as a
Predictor of Lawyers’ Productivity;
http://unllib.unl.edu/L pp1
[54]
ibid Jide Owoeye.
[55]
Azinge E. ‘Information Communication Technology (ICT)’ (2002) Digital Commons.
Paper Presented to the Practice
and Procedure Course of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies,
University of Lagos campus Akoka.
Digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcont…
[56]
Jide Owoeye, ‘Information Communication
Technology, (ICT) Use as a Predictor of Lawyers’ Productivity; http://unllib.unl.edu/LPP/
[57]
Abe Krash, ‘The Changing Legal Profession.’
http://www.dchar.org/for-lawyers/resources/publications/washington-lawyer/January-2008/changes.CFM
(Visited 1st June, 2013).
[58] ‘ICT as an Ennabler for the Legal Profession’
Chams News-Desk, Published 31/08/2009.
http:/www.chamsplc.com/web/blogs/34/ICT-as-an-enabler-for-the-legal-professin.html
(visited 1st June, 2013).
[59]
An acronyon For Automated or Automatic Teller Machine. Chambers 21st
Century Dictionary, Revised Edition.
[60]
Ibid Chams News-Desk.
[61]
Oliver and chapman, ‘Data Processing and
Information Technology’ C S French, 10th Edition, 1996 p. 237.
[62]
‘World Book Encyclopedia 4, 1998 Edition. P 913.
[63] P.M Heathcote, & R.S.U Heathcote‘D 201; Using ICT’ First Publish 2005, p 216.
[64]
Hon Justice Akhimie P.A; ‘The Face of
Legal Research in the 21st Century.’ www.edocustomarycourtofappeal.org/a...
(visited 24 may, 2013.)
[65]
Ibid World Book Encyclopedia.
[66]
Mbam B.C. E. ‘Fundamentals of Computer
& Information Technology’ First Published 2007, p 84.
[67] ‘World Book Encyclopedia’ 4, 1998
Edition. P 913
[68] Abbreviation for Compact Disc, Read-Only Memory; World Book Encyclopedia; p 913
[69]
Ibid ‘World Book Encyclopedia’ p 913.
[70]
Ibid Mbam B.C.E. p 83.
[71]
Ibid World Book Encyclopedia’ p 919.
[72]
P.M. Heathcote & R.S.U. Heathcote, ‘D
2 01; Using ICT’ First Published, 2005, p 216.
[73]
Jide Awe, ‘Fighting Cybercrime in
Nigeria’.
www.jidaw.com/../security7.html (visited
25 may, 2013).
[74]
Ibid Mbam B.C.E. p2
[75] ‘Chambers 21st Century Dictionary’
revised Edition.
[76]
Johnathan Jenkins, ‘What can Information
Technology do for Law’ Jolt.law.harvard.edu/articles/pdf/v21/21harvjlTech589.pdf
p 596 (visited 30th May, 2013)
[77]
Ibid Johnathan Jenkims at p 601.
[78]
Bar FSN Ogazi, ‘ICT And The Law’ : Lecture
Note Delivered to Law Faculty, EBSU Abakaliki 2012.
[79] A network of computers within an organization
accessible only to authorized users within the organization. Hon. Justice Akhimie A.P; ‘the Face of Legal
Research in the 21st century’. P 13. www.edocustomarycourtofappeal.org/a...
(visited 24 may, 213).
[80]
Ibid Barr. FSN Ogazi.
[81]
Ibid Barr. FSN Ogazi.
[82]
Marcus L. Richard, ‘The Impact of
Computers on the Legal Profession: Evolution or Revolution? P 1841.
[83]
Ibid Marcus L. R. P 1835
[84]
Audu Echono, ‘ICT and The Advancement of Legal Studies and
Practice in Nigeria’
[85]
Ibid Audu Echono.
[86]
Ibid Audu Echono
[87]
Ibid Audu Echono
[88]
Johnathan Jenkins, ‘what can Information Technology do for Law?’
Jolt.law.harvard.edu/aricles/pdf/v21/21harv/ltech589.pdf p 604. (visisted 30th
may, 2013).
Click on the related links below and read more.
We can keep you updated on this information, please Subscribe for Free by entering your email address in the space provided.
Do you like this article? Share this article