Akpunonu, A. C., Adisa, Olalekan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8006-7736 and Adisa, Margaret ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2837-4373 (2026) Judicial Reform and Public Trust in the Courts: A SocioLegal Investigation of Citizens’ Perceptions of Justice Delivery in Nigeria. International Journal of Modern Science and Research Technology, 4 (4).

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Abstract

Public confidence in the judiciary is an essential prerequisite for the effective functioning of democratic governance and the rule of law. In Nigeria, however, persistent concerns regarding judicial delays, corruption allegations, executive interference, and limited access to justice have raised serious questions about the legitimacy and credibility of the courts. This study investigates the relationship between judicial reform and public trust in Nigeria’s judicial system through a socio-legal analysis of citizens’ perceptions of justice delivery. Using doctrinal legal analysis combined with socio-legal literature, the study examines constitutional provisions, statutes, and judicial decisions shaping the Nigerian justice system. Particular attention is given to reforms aimed at improving judicial transparency, efficiency, and accountability, including digitalization of court processes, strengthening disciplinary mechanisms for judicial officers, and reforms in case management. Empirical reports indicate that public confidence in the judiciary remains relatively low, largely due to systemic delays, corruption perceptions, and structural constraints affecting justice delivery. These challenges undermine institutional legitimacy and weaken citizens’ reliance on formal dispute resolution mechanisms. Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 provides the legal foundation for judicial independence; however, practical realities often undermine these constitutional guarantees. The study argues that sustainable judicial reform requires institutional independence, improved funding, technological modernization, and strengthened accountability frameworks. By applying procedural justice and institutional legitimacy theories, the article demonstrates that citizens’ perceptions of fairness and transparency significantly influence public trust in courts. The study concludes that restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary requires holistic reforms addressing both institutional performance and societal perceptions of justice

Item Type:	Article
Status:	Published
School/Department:	London Campus
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/15306

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