Legal Realism and Judicial Decision-Making: The Influence of Social Context in Modern Jurisprudence
Keywords:
Intersectionality, Legal Realism, Modern Jurisprudence, Gender, TribeAbstract
This paper examines how gender, tribe, and socio-economic class intersect to shape legal experiences and outcomes in Rivers State, Nigeria. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks of intersectionality, legal realism, and modern jurisprudence, the study explores how social hierarchies influence both statutory and customary legal processes. A conceptual and simulated qualitative approach was adopted, drawing on existing literature, court cases, and socio-legal observations to reveal the persistence of layered inequalities in the administration of justice. The findings indicate that women, minority tribes, and economically disadvantaged groups face systemic exclusion from full legal participation. Customary norms frequently override statutory provisions, reinforcing patriarchal dominance and tribal favouritism in dispute resolution. Judicial discretion, as highlighted by legal realism, often reflects societal biases rather than strict adherence to codified law. Moreover, socio-economic power mediates access to justice, with wealthier individuals leveraging financial and social capital to influence outcomes. The study concludes that the law in Rivers State operates not as a neutral instrument but within a web of intersecting social forces that perpetuate inequality. To promote substantive justice, the paper recommends harmonising statutory and customary law, implementing gender-sensitive judicial reforms, and expanding access to legal aid. The integration of intersectionality, legal realism, and modern jurisprudence provides a critical framework for understanding and reforming Nigeria’s socio-legal order.
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