NATIONAL OPEN UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA (NOUN)

REPORT ON STUDENTS’ INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME

(SIWES)

BY:

ELISHA ECHE THOMAS

NOU120642700

FACULTY:

SOCIAL SCIENCE

COURSE:

CRIMINOLOGY & SECURITY STUDIES 2022/2023

LOCATION OF TRAINING:

CHIEF MAGISTRATE COURT, HIGH COURT PREMISES

JOS
JULY, 2023

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 SUMMARY

This report contains the essentials of my learning and training throughout

the twenty four (24) weeks of Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme

(SIWES) with the Chief Magistrate Court, High Court Premises Jos, Plateau

State. The first day I reported to the court, I was welcomed by the Court

Registrar (Ms Simi Yohanna DANBANG), who took me to the Judge’s office for

formal introduction. The Judge asked me some pertinent questions such as; my

name and my reason for choosing the court to carry out the mandatory SIWES.

He also asked me of my course of study to determine the appropriate department

for me to start the program. The Judge, thereafter asked the Registrar to

introduce me to staff of the court where I met the Court Clerks, bailiff, and other

staff of the court. From there, the Registrar took me to other departments of the

court.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My profound gratitude to God Almighty-the giver of life, knowledge and

health. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Court Registrar, Ms

Simi Yohanna DANBANG for her constant advice and guidance throughout the

period. I will always cherish the knowledge and experiences gained under your

mentorship. I wish to also appreciate my boss, the Department of State Services’

Director, Plateau State Command for constantly checking on me to ensure that I

complete this task to its logical conclusion. I want to thank all the staff of Chief

Magistrate Court, High Court Premises Jos for making the environment conducive

and accommodative for learning, I wouldn’t had learned this much within a short

period of time without your criticisms and encouragements.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page - - - - - - - - - - i

Summary - - - - - - - - - - ii

Acknowledgement - - - - - - - - - iii

Table of Contents - - - - - - - - - iv

1.1 Introduction- - - - - - - - - 1

1.2 Chief Magistrate Court - - - - - - 1

2.1 The organizational structure of the Chief Magistrate Court

3.1 Main Body - - - - - - - - -

4.1 Skills acquired - - - - - - - - -

5.1 Operations and training received - - - - - -

6.1 Specific work done - - - - - - - - 5

7.1 Requirement - - - - - - - - -5

8.1 Tools - - - - - - - - - - 6

9.1 Supervision and Leadership role - - - - - - 6

10.1 Challenges - - - - - - - - - 7

11.1 Recommendation - - - - - - - - 8

12.1 Conclusion - - - - - - - - - 9

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 Appendix - - - - - - - - - 10

References - - - - - - - - - 15

1.1 Introduction

The chief magistrates court is also known as a Magistrate’s Court or a Court

Of summary jurisdiction, is a lower level court that operates in Nigeria legal

systems. Its functions and jurisdiction can vary depending on the state and its

legal system. Below is the general overview of the typical characteristics and

functions of a magistrate court.

1. Jurisdiction: Magistrate courts typically handles less serious criminal cases,

civil cases involving smaller claims, and various administrative matters. They

have limited jurisdiction compared to high-level courts.

2. Criminal Cases: Magistrates courts deal with minor criminal offenses, also

known as summary offenses or misdemeanors. These offenses may include

traffic violations, landlord/tenant related offenses, breach of trust, petty

theft, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and other less serious crimes.

In some jurisdictions, they may also conduct preliminary hearings for more

serious offenses before sending the case to the higher court.

3. Civil Cases: Magistrate courts may handle civil cases involving smaller claims

or disputes. These can include landlord-tenant disputes, smaller claims for

monetary damages, disputes over consumer contracts, and other matters

where the amount off money involved is relatively low.

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 4. Administrative Matters: Magistrate courts often handle administrative

matters such as issuing search warrant, arrest warrants, and restraining

orders. They may also oversee bail hearings, set bail conditions, and conduct

initial hearings for individuals who have been arrested.

5. Trial and Adjudication: Magistrate courts are responsible for conducting

trials or hearings in the cases that fall under their jurisdiction. They listen

to evidence presented by both parties, make determination off guilt or

innocence in criminal cases, render judgments or decisions in civil cases.

6. Sentencing and Penalties: In criminal cases, magistrate courts have the

authority to impose penalties for offenses they handle. These penalties can

include fines, community service, probation, and short term imprisonment.

However, more serious cases are typically transferred to higher courts for

sentencing.

7. Appeals: In some legal systems, decisions made by magistrate courts can be

appealed to higher court if one of the parties dissatisfied with the outcome.

The process and availability of appeals may vary depending on the

jurisdiction.

1.2 My Duties As An Intern In The Chief Magistrates Court

As an intern in the Chief Magistrate Court Jos, my duties were assigned by the

Registrar. They include;

1. Observation of Court Proceeding: during my internship, I was from time to

time posted to the courtroom where I observe day to day hearings and trials

and take notes for later analysis. This helped me to understand the judicial

process and the role of various participants in the court system.

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 2. Assisting Court Staff: I was asked to assist court staff with

administrative tasks such as filing documents, stamping of affidavits and

responding to inquiries from the public.

As an intern in the Chief Magistrate Court, Jos, I had a truly enlightening and

educational experience. I was able to witness firsthand the inner workings of the

justice system and gain a deeper understanding of the legal process. During my

time as an intern, I was given the opportunity to observe various court proceedings,

including criminal trials, civil cases fiats. This allows me to see how different types

of cases are handled and how the legal system works to ensure justice is served. I

also had the chance to assist the registrar with administrative tasks. These

involved receiving, dispatch of mails and filing of correspondences, help organize

case files and stamp. Through these tasks, I gained a greater appreciation for the

attention to detail and thoroughness required in legal works. One of the valuable

aspects of my internship was the opportunity to work with experienced judge

under a friendly working environment .they were always willing to answer my

questions and explain legal concepts in greater detail. This allowed me to gain a

deeper understanding of the legal system and the complexities of the law.

Overall, my experience as an intern in the Chief Magistrate Court, was incredibly

rewarding. I gained a wealth of knowledge and insight into the legal process, and I

feel more prepared to pursue a career in law.

2.1 The Organizational Structure Of The Aviation Security Yakubu

Gowom Airport Jos

4.1 Skills Acquired:

 Observation of court proceedings and jotting of notes.

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  I learned how appeals are filed.

 I learned how to legal documents are drafted.

 How to use the walk through metal detectors.

 How to use the baggage X-ray machine scanner.

5.1 Operations and Training Received:

 Maintenance of the runway.

 Surveillance on watch towers.

 Observation Surveillance in the CCtv room.

 Observation with the patrol team.

 Observation of all emergency exists.

6.1 Specific Work Done:

The specific work I was saddled with at the airport was the screening of

passengers at the screening terminal before they board the plane, this routine

check is carried out to ensure the safety of the aircraft before and while it takes

off, it is also carried out to ensure the safety of all passengers on board.

Requirement and tools I used at the screening point.

7.1 Requirement

 Attentiveness: I was cautious to every information and details concerning

court proceedings and registry duty.

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8.1 Tools:

 Hand held metal detector: This tool is always in the custody of the bailiff

for screening visitors to ensure they are not carrying any prohibited

objects, such as knife, gun or any sharp object that is capable of causing

harm. I have had the opportunity to use the hand held metal detector to

screen people coming into the court room.

 Note pad and pen: I always carry my note book for recording court

proceedings and interviews.

9.1 Supervision and Leadership Role:

 I administered oath and affirmation to witnesses on two occasions.

 I called the court to order about three times.

 I occasionally assisted couples with procedures for obtaining marriage

certificates.

 Sometimes I provide information to the public seeking to know the schedules

of the court.

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10.1 CHALLENGES

While on my 24 weeks of SIWES some of the challenges I encountered were as

follows:

i. Encounter with hostile and arrogant suspects: some of the suspects and

spectators alike do not want to avail themselves for proper search,

ii. Lack of CCTV camera: To record real time events within and around the

court premises, there is need to install CCTV cameras. This will also help

forestall intrusion and indiscriminate packing of vehicle.

iii. Fastidious attitudes of some lawyers: Some lawyers and senior staff of

the court are very hard to please. This discourages one from developing

the passion for learning.

iv. The hand-held metal detector ran out of battery and it was not replaced

till the time I completed my assignment.

v. The obvious lack of intercom made it difficult for both clerks and

industrial students do perform their duties optimally. To make

communication easy between widely separated offices, intercom should

be installed.

vi. This registry office, the court room and registrar’s office are widely

separated; one has to walk a considerable distance from one point to

another. It makes the experience exhausting.

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11.1 RECOMMENDATION

1.

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12.1 Conclusion:

In conclusion my Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES),

has been an enriching and rewarding experience. It provided me with invaluable

exposure to the legal system, enhanced my knowledge and skills, and reinforced my

passion for the field of criminology and security studies, but for law also. I am

confident that my experiences and lessons learned during the past 24 weeks will

serve as a solid foundation for my current and future endeavors.

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APPENDIX

Figure 1

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REFERENCE

 https://www.jumia.com.ng/super-scanner-hand-held-metal-detector-
garrett-mpg3796.html

 https://www.inricosolutions.com/Products/?
gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxIbQuafl_gIVytvtCh1LcQF-
EAAYAiAAEgJg_vD_BwE

 https://www.google.com/search?
q=telescope&oq=tele&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l3j5.2765j0j4&client=ms-
android-transsion-infinix-rev1&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

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