THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE IN RETROSPECT

The Ministry of Justice is a statutory organ of Government, which is charged with the following functions:

a)        The administration of Justice in Edo State, excluding the exercise of judicial powers
           by the Court;

b)        Rendering of legal advice to the Government and Government establishment;

c)        Drafting of Executive Bills;  

d)        Revision of existing Laws;

e)        Determination of Criminal and Civil Law Policy;

f)        Representing Government in Civil and Criminal proceedings in court;

g)        Administration of Estates and Public Trusts;

h)        Law reporting;

i)         Drafting of agreement s entered into by the Government of its agencies with private
           individuals, firms, and companies.

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DEPARTMENTS OF THE MINISTRY

A) Administration and Supplies Department: This department consists of two divisions namely:-

B) Public Prosecution Department:

This department has responsibility for the prosecution of criminal cases such as armed robbery, murder, man slaughter, burglary, stealing, kidnapping, secret cult activities and other criminal matters.

C) Civil Litigation Department:

This department handles all civil suits. The types of civil cases handled include those on breach of contracts, land cases, termination of appointment or dismissal of public officers etc.

D) Legal Drafting and Advisory Services Department:

This department is responsible for the drafting and preparation of our laws, agreement and many other legal instruments. It also, provides advisory legal services to Government and, its agencies. In addition, it is the Secretariat for the Advisory Council on prerogative of Mercy on petition and cases for pardon, remission of sentences etc., for prison inmates;

E) Department of Citizen's Rights (DCR):

The Citizens Rights Department is an
Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre designed to settle matters amongst citizens without recourse to the Courts.

F) Administrator-General and Public Trustees Department:

This department of the Ministry is responsible for the Administration of deceased persons Estate in Edo State. The department caters for various categories of beneficiaries such as wards/widows of deceased persons.