20 Nollywood Court Drama That Never Happens In A Real Court

As a lawyer you watch movies and you find some of the drama that play out hilarious. So, I, have curated some of those drama and what really happens in real life.

1. First of all, judges do not use the gavel (the hammer like object). Courts do not even have it.
2. Surprise witnesses: Real-world courts require witness lists to be submitted in advance (frontloaded), so surprise witnesses are very rare.
3. Lawyers’ impassioned speeches: While eloquence is valuable in the courtroom, movie lawyers often deliver long, emotional speeches that would not be tolerated in real life. A lawyer not even allowed to say things outside points of law or facts that have not been stated in the brief.
4. Physical altercations: Fights between attorneys or other parties in the courtroom are a Nollywood creation and would result in immediate consequences in reality.
5. Two lawyers cannot stand at a time. Once another lawyer stands to raise an objection or call the attention of the court to a matter, the other lawyer must sit down. it plays out just like typewriters recoil.
6. Ignoring procedure: Movies often overlook proper courtroom procedure for the sake of plot, but in real life, following these procedures is crucial.
7. Instant verdicts: Real-life verdicts can take hours or even days, while movie verdicts are often delivered immediately after closing arguments.
8. Judge’s leading role: In movies, judges may play a more active role in questioning witnesses and directing proceedings, while in reality, they mostly oversee the process and ensure fairness.
9. Sidebar conversations: While attorneys may approach the bench for a private discussion, movies often exaggerate the frequency and informality of these conversations.
10. Lawyer-witness romance: Romantic relationships between attorneys and witnesses are typically prohibited due to conflicts of interest.
11. Media frenzy: Although high-profile cases can attract media attention, movies tend to exaggerate the extent of the frenzy and the access journalists have to the courtroom. In fact, if your phone is sighted and siezed, you will have to pay 5,000 Naira or a really stern judge can hold you in contempt.
12. Case-solving revelations: In movies, a single piece of evidence or testimony can crack a case wide open, but real-life trials usually involve a more nuanced evaluation of the evidence.
13. Excessive objections: While objections are common in court, movies often depict lawyers objecting constantly, which would be seen as disruptive in reality.
14. Fast-paced trials: Movie trials progress rapidly, while real-life trials can last weeks, months, or even years.
15. Cross-examination antics: Aggressive or theatrical cross-examinations are common in movies, but in reality, lawyers must adhere to strict professional conduct rules.
16. Tampering with evidence: While it makes for an exciting plot, evidence tampering is a serious crime and is not as common as movies might suggest.
17. Attorney-client confidentiality breaches: Confidentiality is crucial in real-life attorney-client relationships, but movies may show lawyers discussing cases openly with others.
18. Lack of preparation: Movie lawyers often appear unprepared, relying on their instincts, while real-life attorneys spend significant time researching, preparing arguments, and gathering evidence.
19. Spectator outbursts: Emotional outbursts from the gallery are a common movie trope, but in reality, they are rare and would likely result in removal from the courtroom.
20. Unlikely partnerships: Movies may depict rival lawyers working together to solve a case, but in reality, such collaborations are uncommon due to ethical concerns and professional rivalry.