Kano State Sharia Court Of Appeal Issues Dress Code For Lawyers Appearing Before All Sharia Court
The Kano State Sharia Court of Appeal has issued a dress code for lawyers appearing before all Sharia Court hierarchy stating that this directive must be strictly adhered to by counsel.
In a circular provided to The Loyal Nigerian dated 15th December, 2021, and signed by the Chief Registrar, Abubakar Haruna Khalil, the Honourable Court outlined the specific garbs acceptable in detail.
“It is imperative for Legal Practitioners to dress appropriately in a manner that promotes respect for the Legal Profession as well as enhance the dignity of Nigerian Courts,” the Court said.
“It is against this backdrop that the Hon. Grand Kadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Kano views with great concern, increasing cases of improper dressing by lawyers appearing before the Court in recent times.
The circular continued that “The attention of all Legal Practitioners appearing before the Sharia Courts in the Kano State is hereby drawn to the ambiguous provisions of Rule 6 (b) of the Rules of Professional Conduct for the Legal Profession 2007 as follow;
While the court is in session, a lawyer should not assume an undignified posture, and should not, without the judge’s permission, remove his wig and gown in the courtroom. He should always be attired in a proper and dignified manner, and abstain from apparel or ornament calculated to attract attention to himself,”
For the avoidance of doubt, the approved attire is a follows:
MALE LAWYER:
Dark suit (preferable black, white shirts (winged collar detachable collars and a white bib, black socks and black shoe stripped black trousers may be worn.
FEMALE LAWYERS
White blouse, dark jacket (preferably black and black skins, covering knees (dark suit) and black shoes are to be wom with white collarette and bib. There should be no embroidery and trimmings of any type, and only moderate jewelry.
“In both cases counsel shall appear legally and refrain from any other apparel nor specifically mentioned above or provided by any regulation made by the Bar Council of the Body of Benchers.
“As of today, the foregoing remains the only mode of dressing approved for lawyers appearing before the courts.
“TAKE NOTICE therefore that any lawyer who fails or neglects to comply may not be granted right of audience henceforth in the Sharia Court of Appeal, Upper Sharia Courts and Sharia Courts in Kano State.
Best regards.” Khalill signed.
