Publication Type

Blog Post

Version

publishedVersion

Publication Date

9-2015

Abstract

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 system will inevitably undergo tension as socio-economic and politico-legal changes unfold with increased globalisation and regionalisation. Thus, Singapore has to respond swiftly and deftly in creating new laws and institutions or adapting existing ones.

In this regard, Singapore is and has been ready and willing to learn from the legal developments taking place in foreign jurisdictions with similar aspirations. Sometimes, old solutions may have to be discarded and new fangled ideas tested with appropriate modifications to suit local circumstances. In this process of the (sometimes) rigorous adaptation, learning and constant change, however, history remains a useful (though not infallible) guide for the present and the future path of Singapore law.

Keywords

Singapore, laws, legal system

Discipline

Asian Studies | Law | Legal History

Research Areas

Asian and Comparative Legal Systems; Public Law

Publication

Laws of Singapore

Publisher

Singapore Academy of Law

City or Country

Singapore

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

http://www.singaporelawwatch.sg/About-Singapore-Law/Overview/ch-01-the-singapore-legal-system

Share

COinS