60 years ago, Singapore stood on the cusp of independence; a small island, rich in ambition but uncertain of its future. Among the many systems that needed building from scratch, one stood out for its importance and complexity: the legal system. Today, Singapore’s legal framework is internationally respected for its efficiency, integrity, and innovation.
Let’s take a walk through time to see how far we’ve come.
The roots of Singapore’s legal system date back to the early 19th century, under British colonial rule. Justice was modelled after English common law, and administered by British judges.
The Attorney-General’s Department (AGD) was established with the transfer of the Straits Settlements to the British. Sir Thomas Braddell was appointed as the first Attorney-General of the Straits Settlements. In 1875, Singapore’s first Bar Committee was formed.
The Japanese Occupation (1942–1945) shook every pillar of society, including the law. British legal systems were suspended. Japanese military tribunals took over, and the rule of law was replaced with martial control.
When the war ended, Singapore’s legal system had to be re-legitimised. War crimes trials began. Confidence in justice had to be restored. Amid the ruins lies the foundations for a more sovereign and localised identity.
In the late 1950s, Singapore’s political tide turned. With self-governance in 1959 and full independence in 1965, Singapore no longer inherited laws but began to write its own.
This era saw an explosion of legislation tailored for a rapidly modernising society: public order, trade, housing, education, and justice.
Legal practice transformed overnight. Lawyers no longer served just colonial clients but were now advocates in a new democracy, helping shape a young nation’s identity.
One of the boldest legal reforms came in 1970, when Singapore abolished the jury system. Juries were seen as inefficient, potentially biased, and less suited for a multi-racial, rapidly developing society.
In its place, a professional judge-led system emerged, which aligned with Singapore’s meritocratic ethos.
The formation of the Law Society of Singapore in 1967 provided lawyers with a formal voice. Over time, its role expanded to not just regulating lawyers, but speaking up on legal policy, access to justice, and the profession’s ethical responsibilities.
Dialogue between the Bar and the state became essential in shaping a responsive, resilient legal culture.
In 1985, the launch of the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme (CLAS) signalled a quiet revolution. No longer was justice reserved for those who could afford it. CLAS provided accused persons, often from vulnerable backgrounds, with access to legal defence.
Today, it remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s access-to-justice efforts, with government support and hundreds of lawyers volunteering their time to uphold the principle that everyone deserves a fair trial.
In the 1990s, the legal profession stepped boldly into the digital age. The Caesar system, a cutting-edge legal database at the time, gave way to LawNet, now the essential portal for legal research, case law, and e-litigation.
The shift represented the era of information and digitalisation, where a profession once bound by paper and precedent now embraced speed, access, and digital literacy.
Lawyers across Singapore now regularly volunteer at legal clinics, assist low-income litigants, and support NGOs, all under the umbrella of the Law Society Pro Bono Services initiative.
At 60, Singapore’s legal system is mature, confident, and forward-looking. But the journey continues. The future of law will grapple with:
Whatever comes next, one thing is clear: Singapore’s legal system will meet it with the same spirit that has defined the country in the last 60 years – innovation, tenacity, and dedication to progress.