How will inmates of Lagos largest prison create justice?

THE PROJECT

PRE-TRIAL PROBLEM

BEHIND THE SCENE

PARTNERS IN JUSTICE

ABOUT AARDSCHAP

Informal Justice Court: help inmates

Welcome to the Informal Justice Court where pre-trial inmates of Ikoyi Prison act to create justice. In the court that is established inside the prison, the inmates act out their own cases in mock trials. They are assisted by pro bono lawyers and law students, normally educated in mock courts on university campus.

By generating a training program the court aims for improving inmates’ judiciary process. By taking on the different roles present in a formal court, such as judge, prosecutor, defendant and jury, the inmates gain legal knowledge and learn the skills to defend their case in court. Importantly, inmates not just receive legal help, but they are heard and can regain control in their often hopeless situation.

The training program consists of 4 stages: selection of inmates (Stage 1), training program for inmates (Stage 2), the informal justice court in action (Stage 3), and the theater play (Stage 4).

Over 150 inmates attended the Informal Justice Court Program from April till today. 80 of them received legal assistance of a lawyer, free of charge. 10 inmates got their case to trail due to the Informal Justice Court project. 2 inmates left prison by the help of a Pro Bono service from our legal team.

a judge

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