Will Courts Consider SMS, Emails And Letters As Part Of Agreements? Daily Law Tips (Tip 599) by Onyekachi Umah, Esq., LLM. ACIArb(UK)
An agreement can be written or oral. Although, the courts are not omniscience, they are often invited to determine disputes arising from agreements that they were not part of. So, what then are the documents that courts evaluate in determining disputes arising from agreements? Below are the words of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on this issue.
“It must always be borne in mind and this is also settled firstly that where a contract (which includes contract of employment), involves several documents, the trial court can only determine the issues before it, on the basis of the documents including letters relating to the contract and the conduct of the parties. See the cases of the Attorney-General of Kaduna State v. Atta (1986) 4 NWLR (Pt. 38) 785 C.A. and Leyland (Nig.) Ltd. v. Dizengoff W.A. (1990) 2 NWLR (Pt. 134) 610 at 620.”
Per, IKECHI FRANCIS OGBUAGU ,J.S.C ( P. 39, paras. B-D ) CBN V IGWILLO
(2007) LPELR-835(SC)
Obviously, courts make inferences on oral and written evidences as well as conducts of parties. Aside written agreements, courts will always consider letters, SMS and emails relating to the contract of parties.
References;
1. The Supreme Court’s judgment in the case of CBN V IGWILLO (2007) LPELR-835(SC)
#SabiLaw
#DailyLawTips
#SabiBusinessLaw
#SabiElectionLaws
#SabiHumanRights
#SabiLawOnBeatFm
#SabiLawLectureSeries
#CriminalJusticeMonday
#SabiLawVideoChallenge
Feel free to reach the author, ask questions or make inquiries on this topic or any other legal issues via onyekachi.umah@gmail.com or +2348037665878.
****************************************************************************************
This work is published under the free legal awareness project of Sabi Law Foundation (www.SabiLaw.org) funded by the law firm of Bezaleel Chambers International (www.BezaleelChambers.com). The writer was not paid or charged any publishing fee. You too can support the legal awareness projects and programs of Sabi Law Foundation by donating to us. Donate here and get our unique appreciation certificate or memento.
DISCLAIMER:
This publication is not a piece of legal advice. The opinion expressed in this publication is that of the author(s) and not necessarily the opinion of our organisation, staff and partners.
PROJECTS:
🛒 Take short courses, get samples/precedents and learn your rights at www.SabiLaw.org
🎯 Publish your legal articles for FREE by sending to: eve@sabilaw.org
🎁 Receive our free Daily Law Tips & other publications via our website and social media accounts or join our free whatsapp group: Daily Law Tips Group 6
KEEP IN TOUCH:
Get updates on all the free legal awareness projects of Sabi Law (#SabiLaw) and its partners, via:
YouTube: SabiLaw
Twitter: @Sabi_Law
Facebook page: SabiLaw
Instagram: @SabiLaw.org_
WhatsApp Group: Free Daily Law Tips Group 6
Telegram Group: Free Daily Law Tips Group
Facebook group: SabiLaw
Email: lisa@sabilaw.org
Website: www.SabiLaw.org
ABOUT US & OUR PARTNERS:
This publication is the initiative of the Sabi Law Foundation (www.SabiLaw.org) funded by the law firm of Bezaleel Chambers International (www.BezaleelChambers.com). Sabi Law Foundation is a Not-For-Profit and Non-Governmental Legal Awareness Organization based in Nigeria. It is the first of its kind and has been promoting free legal awareness since 2010.
DONATION & SPONSORSHIP:
As a registered not-for-profit and non-governmental organisation, Sabi Law Foundation relies on donations and sponsorships to promote free legal awareness across Nigeria and the world. With a vast followership across the globe, your donations will assist us to increase legal awareness, improve access to justice, reduce common legal disputes and crimes in Nigeria. Make your donations to us here or contact us for sponsorship and partnership, via: lisa@SabiLaw.org or +234 903 913 1200.
**********************************************************************************
