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Singapore law, which has its roots in English law, has now evolved into a distinctive jurisprudence. It continues to absorb and modify the common law as well as best practices from other mature legal systems. Developments in Singapore law reflect an acute awareness of the need to recognize and accommodate current international business and commercial practices.
The legal systems of Singapore have received a number of international accolades for its efficiency and integrity. As a result of this there is now a wide recognition of Singapore as a leading legal hub in Asia.
The Singapore legal system is a rich tapestry of laws, institutions, values, history and culture. Like the Singapore-made quilt, each strand of the legal system is woven together to form a jurisprudential kaleidoscope bounded by a unique national identity. The legal Systems of Singapore will surely go through tension as socio economic and political legal changes unfold with increased globalization and also regionalization. Thus Singapore has to respond swiftly as well as nimbly in creating new laws and institutions or adapting existing ones.
The Development of Autochthonous Legal System
During the year 1970 and 1980, there was an implicit casual comfort with the inherited traditions, practices, and laws of England. The drive to create an autochthonous legal system gained increased momentum in the late 1980s and accelerated with the appointment of Yong Pung How as Chief Justice in September 1990.
Abolition of all appeals to the Privy Council (by 1989, appeals to the Privy Council were severely restricted). A permanent Court of Appeal, presided by the Chief Justice and two Justices of Appeal (JAs), was designated Singapore's highest court. In November 1993, the Application of English Law Act (Cap 7A, 1994 Rev Ed) came into force and specified the extent to which English law is applicable in Singapore.
Reception of English Laws
Before the enactment of the Application of the English Law, the charter of Justice provided the legal basis for the general reception of the principles and rules of the English common law. However a problem arose from this was that no one knew for certain which English Statutes were applied there.
Common Singapore Law
The common law is one of the most important strands of the Singapore politico economic and legal fabric. Singapore has inherited the English Common Law tradition and thus enjoys the attendant benefits of stability, surety, and also internationalization.
The Legislature:
The main function of the Singapore Parliament is the enactment of laws governing the State. The law-making process begins with a Bill, normally drafted by the Government legal officers. Private members' bills are rare in Singapore.
Composition:
In terms of composition, the Singapore Parliament consists of both elected and non-elected Members of Parliament.
The Court Of Appeal
The highest court of the land is the permanent Court of Appeal which hears both civil and criminal appeals emanating from the High Court and the Subordinate Courts. As a significant watermark of Singapore's legal history, appeals to the Privy Council in England were abolished in 1994.
The High Court
The High Court Judges enjoy security of tenure whilst the Judicial Commissioners are appointed on a short-term contract basis. Both, however, enjoy the same judicial powers and immunities. Their judicial powers comprise both original and appellate jurisdiction over both civil and criminal matters.
The Government recognizes the importance of law in maintaining political and social order as well as engendering conducive conditions for economic activity. Indeed, law is regarded as a fundamental economic value, which must be carefully nurtured and harnessed to enhance Singapore's aspiration to be a total business center.
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