Language and Law: The Role of English Language in Nigerian Legal System

Abstract

This paper explores the role of language in the Nigerian legal system. Nigeria, characterized by its linguistic diversity with over 500 languages, operates a legal system primarily in English, a legacy of the British colonial rule. It adopts qualitative descriptive research design and Systemic Functional linguistics as its theoretical framework. It delves into how language facilitates the drafting of precise and unambiguous legislative texts, essential for ensuring clear legal interpretation and uniform enforcement by the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. It also emphasizes the need for legal documents and proceedings to be translated into major indigenous languages to enhance understanding and accessibility. By examining the interplay between language and law, the discussion foregrounds the importance of linguistic clarity and accessibility in ensuring justice and legal literacy in a multilingual society like Nigeria.