Reception of English Law in Singapore: Problems and proposed solutions

• Main Author: PHANG, Andrew B.L.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 1990
• Subjects: Asian Studies; Legal History
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sol_research/4200; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sol_research/article/6158/viewcontent/2SAcLJ20.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

The problems pertaining to the reception of English law in Singapore are both numerous and complex. The academic literature generated in the local sphere alone is relatively large. It must, however, be conceded that, from apractical point of view, there has been very little interest or at least discussion. One cannot, of course, be sure about this observation, save for the very strong indication that takes the form of the overwhelming lack of litigation in the area, thus rendering it merely (so it appears) an academic monopoly. It should, however, be pointed out that this rather phlegmatic approach in practice belies the very real importance of the issues and problems raised. It is, for example, clear that, unless radical changes are in the offing, reception of English law is of crucial importance in so far as it concerns the foundation of the Singapore legal system itself.