MAN CONFERENCE: EMBRACE THE USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS, OGUN CJ CHARGES MAGISTRATES

OGUN CJ BAGS INTERNATIONAL PEACE AMBASSADOR AWARD
April 11, 2023
MAG. CT IDI-OKE/IGBESA – Wednesday, 12th April 2023
April 12, 2023
OGUN CJ BAGS INTERNATIONAL PEACE AMBASSADOR AWARD
April 11, 2023
MAG. CT IDI-OKE/IGBESA – Wednesday, 12th April 2023
April 12, 2023

Magistrates across Ogun State have been encouraged to embrace the use of modern technological tools in discharging their judicial duties in the 21st Century.

The Hon. Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice (Dr.) Mosunmola Dipeolu, represented by Hon. Justice Olarenwaju Mabekoje, gave this charge at the Opening Ceremony of the 42nd Conference of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State Chapter held at the Judiciary Headquarters in Abeokuta.

Hon. Justice Dipeolu noted that in the face of the ongoing globalisation of the justice sector there is the need for Magistrates to play vital roles in their judicial functions and Criminal Justice System.

“While it is critical to promote e-justice as a deliberate rigorous strategy for responding to the justice emergency, it should not be treated solely as an infrastructure update but rather as a tool for system transformation,” the Chief Judge stated

His Lordship said, for a Magistrate to be relevant in the 21st century, such Magistrate must think critically, have an effective communication skills, embrace global realities, be digitally literate, have a sense of self direction, self-development and be emotionally  intelligent.

Speaking on the theme of the Conference “The 21st Century Magistrate; Challenges, Prospect and Future Trajectory” the Chief Judge postulated that, as digitisation is inevitable “Magistrates must be careful that the value they bring is not simply the rigid adherence to tradition, but is instead the articulation and careful stewardship of the purpose and value of Justice”.

In his Lordship lecture and interactions with the Magistrates during the Conference, Hon. Justice Eniola Fabanwo said part of the guidelines of virtual proceedings to deploy in courts is to seek consent of both parties and ensure the availability of all devices especially the internet facilities while recording by participants should be disallowed to avoid contempt of court.

Prior, in her opening remarks, Chairman of the Magistrates’ Association of Nigeria (MAN),  Ogun State Chapter, Mrs Moriyike Osinbajo, identified some of the key challenges facing Magistrates in the 21st century to include an increasing complexity of the law, whereby new legislation were introduced and legal precedents were set, Magistrates staying up-to-date with the latest developments in order to make informed decisions in criminal and civil cases, balancing the demands of the justice systems with the rights of the accused, among others.

She thereafter implored Magistrates to embrace technology, be committed to keeping abreast of legal developments, adhere to principles of Justice and fairness in order to remain effective, efficient and relevant in the 21st century.

Osinbajo also appreciated the Chief Judge of Ogun State, Hon. Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu for efforts committed to the service of the Ogun State Judiciary generally, particularly the unprecedented attention received at the Magistracy since the inception of His Lordship’s administration.

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