An eyewitness is a person who personally saw an event happen with their own eyes and can give direct evidence about what they witnessed. In criminal and civil cases, eyewitness testimony can strongly influence the decision of the court.
But the law also warns us to be careful. Why? Because human perception can sometimes be wrong. That is why courts evaluate eyewitness evidence with caution.
This is where the legal principle:
Nemo judex in causa sua comes in.
It means:
“No one should be a judge in his own case.”
The principle demands that justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done. A person who has personal interest, bias, or connection to a matter cannot sit in judgment over it.
⚖️ In simple terms:
An eyewitness gives evidence of what he saw.
A judge gives an impartial decision based on the law and evidence.
And the law insists that fairness must always prevail.
Legal Authority:
The principle of Nemo judex in causa sua is one of the twin pillars of natural justice recognized under Nigerian law and judicial decisions.
Justice without fairness is oppression disguised as law.
Credit: Ogam Solicitor
