An exploration of litigants’ interactions with court actors in Ghanaian courts
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Date
2023
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Forensic Science International: Mind and Law
Abstract
Studies have sought to understand the experiences of litigants who use the court system. However, very few have
looked at their specific interactions with court actors in Sub-Saharan African countries. In this study, we sought
to explore the interactions that litigants have with lawyers, judges, and court workers during the process of civil
litigation in Ghana. The study used a qualitative phenomenological design and a criterion sampling technique to
select seventeen litigants involved in civil litigation in a Ghanaian court. Using thematic analysis, we found that
litigants had confidence in the judicial system. In terms of lawyers and court actors, the participants were
ambivalent about their interactions with them. Whereas some had been supportive, others drained their resources and were not altogether altruistic. We discuss these findings and make recommendations for improving
litigant experiences.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Judicial system, Litigation, Corruption