EXPLORING THE EFFECTS ON MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF DELAYED JUSTICE DELIVERY ON LAWYERS AND LITIGANTS IN THE NIGERIAN JUDICIAL SYSTEM

Abstract

Background: In Nigeria, individuals navigating the legal system often endure an average waiting period of 22 years for case resolution, far exceeding Western standards. These prolonged delays inflict significant economic, relational, health, and psychological burdens on litigants and lawyers, deteriorating their quality of life. However, scant evidence exists documenting these impacts, hindering efforts to enhance support for justice system participants. This study aims to extract themes from existing literature regarding the mental health repercussions of delayed justice and assess the influence of financial pressures and coping mechanisms on stressors. Method: A desk study was conducted, primarily through a Literature Review incorporating 22 studies sourced from Google Scholar and Scopus databases. Various literature sources were examined to establish a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Results: Findings reveal that delayed justice delivery profoundly affects the mental health and psychological well-being of legal practitioners and litigants, particularly exacerbating severe anxiety. The high financial costs associated with prolonged legal processes directly contribute to heightened stress levels among litigants. Coping strategies employed by lawyers and litigants vary, ranging from seeking social support to engaging in self-care practices. Conclusion: Urgent attention is required for further research to comprehensively explore the multifaceted impacts of delayed justice delivery. Practitioners and policymakers must prioritize mental health interventions within the Nigerian legal system and enact supportive policies to alleviate the adverse effects of protracted legal proceedings. Additionally, future research efforts should encompass primary data collection to provide firsthand insights into the experiences of those affected by delayed justice delivery.