Legal Activism in the Face of Political Challenges: The Nigerian Case

45 Pages Posted: 16 Oct 2017 Last revised: 8 May 2018

See all articles by Jayanth K. Krishnan

Jayanth K. Krishnan

Indiana University Maurer School of Law

Kunle Ajagbe

Aidan Partners, LLP

Date Written: October 14, 2017

Abstract

Countries that move from authoritarianism to democracy often see increased rights-based, social justice lawyering after the transition. Given the new freedoms and opportunities present, this outcome is hardly surprising. However, relying on a literature and theoretical frame developed over the past two decades, this study argues that, in fact, such lawyering can have its historical roots in the legal activism that occurred during previous authoritarian periods. Consider Africa’s most populous country – Nigeria. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has witnessed, in total, nearly 30 years of military dictatorship. In 1999, the country adopted a democratic system of government, which continues to this day – albeit shakily. During this time, rights-lawyering has been an important access-to-justice vehicle for the poor and socially disadvantaged. Yet, as this study shows, this activity builds upon the brave efforts of lawyers who aided those unable to represent themselves during past moments of military rule. Despite being atomized and ad hoc, these pockets of legal advocacy nevertheless posed challenges to the different authoritarian regimes and, importantly, serve as the foundation for the rights-activism seen today.

Keywords: Africa; Nigeria; Access-to-Justice; Legal Profession; Lawyering

Suggested Citation

Krishnan, Jayanth K. and Ajagbe, Kunle, Legal Activism in the Face of Political Challenges: The Nigerian Case (October 14, 2017). Journal of the Legal Profession, Vol. 42, 2018, Indiana Legal Studies Research Paper No. 390, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3053397

Jayanth K. Krishnan (Contact Author)

Indiana University Maurer School of Law ( email )

211 S. Indiana Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405
United States

HOME PAGE: http://law.indiana.edu/about/people/details/krishnan-jayanth.html

Kunle Ajagbe

Aidan Partners, LLP ( email )

Lagos
Nigeria

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