— However Says, Better Alternatives Exist
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-IDRI-Masterclass.png")
Foremost Human Rights Attorney, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has stated that, whilst the action of the Abuja Magistrate was not wrong, he would have employed a different means with regards to the alleged ‘interruption’ by counsel during the ruling of the Magistrate.
The Learned Silk who noted that in contempt committed in the face of the court, the ‘judex serves as the Complaint, Prosecutor and Judge’ and the actions of the lawyer was one capable of being cited as contempt, nonetheless, the Magistrate would have simply asked the lawyer to leave the court.
In a statement made available to TheNigeriaLawyer, the Learned Silk recalled a similar instance involving the law lord, Lord Denning, as published in the June 1964 edition of the New York Times.
“Tempers may have been slightly ruffled, but decorum prevailed nonetheless in the Court of Appeal today as a protesting woman litigant flung law books at the judges. Vera Beth Stone was conducting her own case. She was refused leave to appeal a judgment on the levying of costs in an unsuccessful action she had brought against the Association of Official Shorthand Writers in which she had charged falsification of transcripts. So she picked up a book in front of her and said:
“This is not a personal matter, but I have to bring this before the court.” The book flew past the ear of Lord Denning, Master of the Rolls, and struck the paneling behind him. Neither he nor either of the two other judges on the dais, Lord Justices Harman and Diplock, showed agitation.
“It does not have to be tomatoes,” Miss Stone continued, and let fly a second book, a bit wider of the mark. “Will you please leave the court!” Lord Denning said politely but firmly. “I shall only come back and throw more books,” Miss Stone replied. “Will you leave?” Lord Denning persisted. Miss Stone surveyed her dwindling library. “I am running out of ammunition,” she said.
“As she was led from the courtroom, she said to Lord Denning: “May I congratulate your lordship upon your coolness under fire.”
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
