ADJECTIVAL LAW AS LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR SUBSTANTIVE JUSTICE: REFERENCING SELECTED PROVISIONS OF THE NATIONAL INDUSTRIAL COURT (CIVIL PROCEDURE RULES) 2017

Abstract

This paper critically examined the concept of substantial justice and its importance and applicability of the concept in the administration of justice. The focus of this paper is to examine what was erstwhile an exclusive reserve of the judex which has now found its way into procedural law as important legal framework. Applying the doctrinal methodology the paper discussed some relevant theories of the concept to posit that substantial justice when left entirely to a judge to determine and apply has very damaging demerits but when stipulated in a form of legal framework; it advances more the cause of justice. The paper finally buttressed its position by discussing some relevant provisions of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (Civil Procedure Rules) 2017; which aids the doing of substantial justice as a commendable step towards reducing principles of substantial justice into adjectival legal framework