TOWARDS EXPANDING THE SCOPE OF RIGHT TO PUBLIC TRIAL IN NIGERIA

This paper argued that in order to engender dissemination of information in the widest possible sense, imparting transparency and accountability to the judicial process, the right to public trial guaranteed under the Nigerian Constitution should be enlarged to include giving the press a right of live broadcasts and electronic transmission of judicial proceedings. This is against the current judicial attitude that live broadcast of judicial proceedings is not feasible because there is no law or protocol authorising recourse to such procedure in Nigeria. However, it was submitted that there must be a paradigm shift to accommodate present day realities. Hence, the legal door should not be shut permanently against live broadcast of judicial proceedings in Nigeria given that public trial includes giving the public and the press a right of access to court proceedings. Public confidence in the administration of justice can be weakened by secrecy. Consequently, the paper suggested that necessary legislations should be enacted as well as amendments of Rules of Courts should be made to accommodate live broadcasts of judicial proceedings. This will among other things engender improved public confidence in judicial proceedings in Nigeria.