By Oluwaseun Ojo

INTRODUCTION

In Nigeria for instance, a country with a population of about two hundred millions, it is not suffice to be served by just estimated population of one hundred and twenty thousand lawyers.

This shows that, in Nigeria like every other human societies, the lawyers are seriously needed. Lawyers however, unlike balloons during Christmas, are not to decorate the society but to sanitize and sensitize it – thus, their roles cannot be overemphasized. They are being called the learned not just because of voluminous books they read but for the fact that their profession is elastic; It cuts across all humans endeavours – starting from the first day of man on earth to the last one: Lawyers document birth certificates and later register death’s. Even after death, lawyers protect the interests of their clients.

Against this backdrop, this work treats concisely, why the society needs lawyers and their services. Then perhaps, lawyers are not necessary Devils as opined by some, but are indispensable Angels.

ROLES OF LAWYERS IN THE SOCIETY

It is a privilege being called a Barrister and Solicitor. Also comes with it are some responsibilities which is, to serve society competently, diligently and ethically. I hereby classify the roles of lawyers to the society into two types which are: Security Purpose and Justice Dispensation.

SECURITY PURPOSE

This includes the duties to ensure that humans’ rights are not tampered with at all. Lawyers use their knowledge of Laws to prevent any perceived dangers that may arise when laws are about to be negligently, ignorantly or intentionally breached. These are as explained below:

Sensitization is an important role play by lawyers. This is to ensure that lay men do not fall into the pit of crimes which may negatively reshape their lives and thus affect them, their careers, and the society at large. In every facets of humans’ lives, lawyers are needed to give, out of his knowledge of laws, pieces of advice – about the dos and don’ts. They show to people, their line of demarcation that might seem blurry, if not totally invisible to their eyes.

Guidance is another role they perform apart from sensitization, their presence is always highly needed in every scene that involves contractual dealings, for example Agreements drafting. This is paramount because some errors are better not to make, for they cause injury if made, even despite the rectification, which is often costly. Therefore, presence of lawyers would prevent any of such mistakes. This is done to preserve the rights of the daft from the dubiousness of the bright. Additionally, lawyers are needed when comes to inheritance distribution. They read the deceased will and ensure that all the insurance due to him are collected.

Moderation is another reason why lawyers are very important. This is done by being always there with their clients during the interrogation. The officer in charge would be automatically guided by the presence of lawyers in the interrogation room. He would know where his limit is. And by this, wrong methods like torturing, which might bring forth wrong result like coerced confession, would be curtailed, then saving the society from committing a huge taboo against human dignity — punishing innocent — the taboo that slowly kills the progress.

Policy formulation is another role played by lawyers. This is why the presence of lawyers cannot be found wanted in the core areas like National assembly, Government house and other related ministries. They test the feasibility of every decision from legal perspectives. While those fit enough proceed while those deemed not fit are rightly done with.

JUSTICE DISPENSATION

However, some issues would escaped the legal preventive net, because as humans we are prone to errors, or better still, …prone to crime. That’s why lawyers do not stop at ensuring crime are prevented alone, but also ensure that Justice is evenly distributed as at when due. This is being done as explained below:

Research and Professional investigation is one of the aspects in which lawyers are trained. Lawyers are readers. They read to find legal backings to their case in court, for a client would not be discharge nor acquitted if his lawyer cannot substantiate his argument with appropriate legal authorities while clearing the knotty points in the courts of Law. In addendum, they carried out personal investigation so as to get hold of valuable evidence and witness, all in the name of Justice.

Moreso, lawyers’ most popular function is Defence and Prosecution. Lawyers represent their clients in court and ensure that injustice is totally prevented. For instance, the issue of revenue allocation between Federal government and Lagos State (see the case of A.G Lago V. A.G.F) about two decades ago might have led to mayhem if not the court, with the involvement of lawyers, that get it settled. In addition, they sue and prosecute so as to prevent perceived injustice in the society.

Activism – this is the broadest function of lawyers. They act to challenge any inappropriate steps being taking in the society by individuals, corporate bodies and government, which may affect the life, wellbeing or dignity of man and even atimes, that of animals. For example, some people, through the assistance of lawyers, have sued federal government over some provisions of CAMA which they deemed controversial and need to be reviewed. Also, there are certain laws which prevent the rights of animals as well; to prevent inhumane treatment of animals. This might not have possible without the involvement of lawyers.

CONCLUSION

“Commitment to public good is the legal profession’s indispensable and most valuable asset.” Therefore, imagining a society without lawyers is absolutely choking and nightmarish. As absence of light is darkness, absence of lawyers in a society is crises. Injustice disrupt people’s sense of security and consequently hinder general progress. Lawyers in society, are like watchmen, no sleep no respite, until all and sundry get their comeuppances. As NBA motto reads: their raison d’être is “…protecting the rule of law.”

OLUWASEUN OJO