ARTICLES

Judicial Writing: A Benchmark for the Bench

Published

2 months ago

October 6, 2023

Stella Charles Akupue

Judicial writing is “public writing of the highest order.” Judge Gerald Lebovits. Judge Lebovits advises fellow judges in these words: “Be credible, impartial, dignified, and temperate. Be accurate and honest in your research, facts, and analysis.”

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Judges should review and revise their drafts to minimize, if not eliminate, all dicta neither pertinent to the outcome nor true to principle. “I care not for the supposed dicta of judges, however eminent, if they be contrary to all principle.” Somerset v Steward [1772] 98 ER 499 (Mansfield CJ).

A judicial decision must be not only correct, but also fair, reasonable, and readily understandable.

Judicial Writing: A Benchmark for the Bench will help judges master the art and science of judicial writing. A welcome guide to the judiciary, this book sets a high yet attainable standard of excellence for writing judicial decisions.

It will no doubt become the reference point for judging judges and their judgments.

To get a copy, please pay N55,000 to Chinua Asuzu, 0002655807, GTBank. Then text your delivery address to 0803 341 2508. The price includes delivery anywhere in Nigeria.