Every country has its own legislation and unique laws. Singapore is no exception. Singapore laws are known for being in a league of their own. For example, while smoking in public is not a crime in many countries, Singapore laws could have you in jail time for smoking in public places as this is prohibited in most streets, alleys, public spaces and lounges. The country is also infamous for its low crime rates and strict politeia.
When you choose to study Singaporean law, the course structure and legal education will always be different from the law courses in other countries.
If you are looking to start your legal career in Singapore, you’re in the right place. This article will show you all you need to know about the Singapore legal system and law courses.
- Facts about the Singapore legal system
- Recent developments in the Singaporean legal industry
- Law courses available for different types of legal professions
- Your options when it comes to a legal career in Singapore
- Interesting Singapore laws and how they affect your legal studies in Singapore
Read on to learn more!
The Singaporean Legal System
Singapore’s legal system is a blend of English common law and local statutes. This means that judges’ decisions hold significant weight as legal precedents, like the UK system. However, Singapore also has a thorough legislative system that constantly adds new laws.
Here’s a breakdown of the key sources of law in Singapore:
- Constitution: The supreme law, outlining the framework for the government and fundamental rights
- Legislation: Laws passed by Parliament, covering various aspects like criminal law and company law
- Subsidiary Legislation: More specific regulations enacted by government bodies under the authority of an enabling statute
- Common Law: Judge-made law based on past judicial decisions, and guiding principles in areas like contract law and property law.
Recent Developments in the Singaporean Legal System
The Singaporean legal system is constantly evolving.
Here are some recent trends in Singapore Laws:
- Increased focus on technology and innovation: Laws are being adapted to address issues like cybercrime, data privacy, and intellectual property in the digital age
- Internationalisation of commercial law: Singapore strives to be a leading centre for international arbitration and commercial dispute resolution.
- Emphasis on mediation and alternative dispute resolution (ADR): The government actively promotes mediation as a faster and more cost-effective way to resolve disputes.
Singapore law courses are working extensively to adapt to these new changes in the focus of the Singapore laws framework.
Singapore Laws, You Must Know Before Moving to the Lion City:
Singapore is a thriving metropolis that is known for its cleanliness, and business savviness and has a reputation for strict laws.
Here are a few key ones to familiarise yourself with before your move:
- Immigration Laws: Singapore enforces strict visa regulations. Ensure you have the correct visa type (employment pass, student pass, etc.) and understand its validity and conditions. Overstaying or working illegally can lead to hefty fines or even imprisonment
- Public Order Laws: Littering and vandalism carry heavy fines. Smoking is prohibited in most public areas, including public transport and hawker centres. Durian, a local fruit with a strong odour, is banned from public transport.
- Respectful Living: Public drunkenness and disorderly conduct are frowned upon. Vandalism and graffiti are strictly punished. Singapore takes a zero-tolerance approach to drug offences, with harsh penalties for possession or trafficking.
How to Establish Your Legal Career in Singapore?
The first step will be to enrol in a reputed Singaporean education provider to learn the roots and ropes of the Singapore laws system. Once you graduate from your programme, you will obtain much-needed help and support from your education provider or networks in finding law internship programmes.
You can start building your legal professional through this internship, gradually seeking full-time employment with the working experience you gained over the internship.
Law Course Options Available for Different Types of Legal Professions in Singapore
- Diploma in Law: High school students and experienced professionals from other industries looking for an introduction to the Singaporean Legal system can apply for this course
- Bachelor of Laws: High school graduate or polytechnic pass out can apply
- Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws (BA LLB-hybrid degree)
- Master of Laws (LLM): graduates with a bachelor’s degree in any field or Law can apply for this course.
- Executive Diploma in Law: For experienced professionals or advanced legal workers
- Diploma in law and Management: This can be a great option for those undergraduate or graduate professionals looking for an introduction to the Singaporean legal system and business management within the Singaporean legal system.
Enrol in a reputed law course in Singapore to further your studies. Take your bold step today!