Singapore Chronicles: Law
Goh Yihan
Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2015
ISBN: 9789814747066

This book tells the story of the Singapore legal system. Beginning with the British years, it moves on to the post-independence period, when a new Singapore had to grapple with the judicious mix of legacy laws and new laws that the new environment demanded. That was followed by the years of expansion as the complexity of the local environment deepened. The legal system had to be further refined as Singapore embraced technological advances and globalisation. This is a story of a fast changing and yet remarkably stable legal system that has been the cornerstone of Singapore's commitment to the rule of law.

Singapore Chronicles: Presidency
Thio Li-Ann
Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2015
ISBN: 9789814747011

The Elected Presidency represents one of the most distinctive institutional innovations that Singapore has made to the constitutional order in the first 50 years of its existence. Its original primary intention was to serve as a check on a powerful Parliament that could bankrupt the national reserves either through buying votes, fraud or sheer incompetence. However, experience has shown that the elected President has evolved in ways unanticipated by its original design. This book traces the fascinating twists and turns of the relatively short history of the Elected Presidency in Singapore and how it has reached a new equilibrium.

It's Easy to Cry
Subhas Anandan
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Editions, 2015
ISBN: 9789814561525

Subhas Anandan passed away on 7 January 2015 at the age of 68. He was Singapore's the best-known criminal lawyer, having led several landmark cases that shaped the face of criminal law in Singapore.

In this volume It's Easy to Cry, this foremost champion of pro bono work moves away from depicting gruesome murders and delves instead into the emotions behind the crimes. He writes about cases where deep and complex emotions are displayed, like the mother who lied and pleaded guilty to save her son. He also shares his thoughts on the many people who have affected him in one way of the other and the legal system in Singapore.

Singapore: 50 Constitutional Moments that Defined a Nation
Kevin Y.L. Tan & Thio Li-Ann
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish International, 2015
ISBN: 9789814677097

Singapore inherited a Westminster-style constitution from the British who ruled the island for 140 years. Since Singapore's independence in 1965, this constitution has been amended and augmented many times wherein unique institutions -- such as the Elected Presidency and Group Representation Constitutions -- were created. All these changes occurred against the backdrop of Singapore's special geographical local, multi-ethnic population and vulnerability to externalities.

This book features a collection of short essays describing and explaining 50 Constitutional Moments -- major inflexion points in the trajectory of Singapore's constitutional development. The authors have selected each of these 'moments' on the basis of their impact in the forging of the modern constitutional order. Starting in 1965, the book begins chronologically, from the 'moment' of Singapore's expulsion from the Federation of Malaysia through the establishment of the Wee Chong Jin Constitutional Commission (1966) to the entrenchment of the sovereignty clause in the Constitution (1972) right through to the 2000s, with the Presidential Elections of 2011.

In these easy-to-read essays, the reader is introduced to what the authors consider to be the most important episodes that have shaped the Singapore Constitution. These articles cover key events like President Ong Teng Cheong's 1999 Press Conference and the 2001 Tudung controversy; constitutional amendments like the Maintenance of Religious Harmony Act (1990) and the introduction of Nominated Members of Parliament (1990); and seminal cases like Chng Suan Tze v Minister for Home Affairs (1989) and Yong Vui Kong v PP (2010 & 2015) that have contributed to the sculpting of Singapore's constitutional landscape.

Cases That Touched Our Lives
S. Chandra Mohan, Low Kee Yang, & Bryan Tan
Singapore: LexisNexis, 2014
ISBN: 9789814406987

This book contains a compilation of cases that have been selected to portray how the law affects various aspects of the lives of Singaporeans and those who work and live in Singapore. The aim of this book is to make the judgments of the Singapore Courts more accessible to the public. Even though the reading of judgments is part of the day-to-day work of lawyers and those in the legal field, the public seldom gets a chance to experience reading the judgments of the courts. Even when they do, it is quite a challenge to locate the more interesting cases to read.

This book contains an eclectic mix of cases. They were selected so as to cover as many issues with regard to the man in the street. This way, we hope, that by reading the judgments, you can gain more insight and understanding to the legal system here in Singapore

Teens and the Law [2nd ed.]
Singapore Association of Women Lawyers
Singapore: Singapore Association of Women Lawyers, 2014
ISBN: 9789813065970

Teenagers face many challenges navigating through the physical and environmental development of their teenage years. It is during this difficult period that they may break the law unintentionally. As a result the consequences can leave emotional, financial and legal scars that can last a lifetime.

This book, Teens & the Law provides teens with the basic principles of legal protection and helps them understand the real life consequences and penalties of breaking the law. It also provides sources of additional information such as websites on the issues faced by teenagers in today's context and where they can turn to for counselling solutions. It is the only book in Singapore that explains the law relating to teenagers in simple English.

Today's teens are spending more time on social media like Facebook and Twitter. New in this book are the inherent dangers associated with using or visiting social networking sites -- the perils of the internet, information security threats, human vulnerabilities and traps on the internet. Teens need to be aware of the enormous consequences of posting personal information online and how to handle these situations.

Mobilizing Gay Singapore: Rights and Resistance in an Authoritarian State
Lynette J. Chua
Singapore: NUS Press, 2014
ISBN: 9789971698157

From private meetings in living rooms in the 1990s to the emergence of annual rallies and decriminalization campaigns in the past six years, Singapore's gay rights activists have sought equality and justice in a state that does not recognise their rights to seek protection of their civil and political liberties. In her groundbreaking book, Mobilizing Gay Singapore, Lynette Chua tells the history of the gay rights movement in Singapore and asks what a social movement looks like under these circumstances. She examines the movement's emergence, development, strategies, and tactics, as well as the roles of law and rights in social processes.

Chua uses in-depth interviews with gay activists, observations of the movement's activities, movement documents, government statements, and media reports. She shows how activists deployed (and still deploy) "pragmatic resistance" to gain visibility and support, and tackle political norms that suppress dissent, while avoiding direct confrontations with the law.

Democracy, Media and Law in Malaysia and Singapore: A Space for Speech
Andrew T. Kenyon, Tim Marjoribanks, and Amanda Whiting (eds.)
London: Routledge, 2013
ISBN: 9780415704090

Commentators on the media in Southeast Asia either emphasise with optimism the prospect for new media to provide possibilities for greater democratic discourse, or else, less optimistically, focus on the continuing ability of governments to exercise tight and sophisticated control of the media. This book explores these issues with reference to Malaysia and Singapore. It analyses how journalists monitor governments and cover elections, discussing what difference journalism makes; it examines citizen journalism, and the constraints on it, often self-imposed constraints; and it assesses how governments control the media, including outlining the development and current application of legal restrictions.

Malaysia & Singapore: The Land Reclamation Case: From Dispute to Settlement
Cheong Koon Hean, Tommy Koh, & Lionel Yee
Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2013
ISBN: 97898114342513

This book tells the story of Singapore’s first experience of defending its legal rights before an international tribunal, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

In April 2002 Malaysia lodged a protest against Singapore’s reclamation works around Pulau Tekong and Pulau Ubin on the grounds that they were causing trans-boundary environmental harm to Malaysia’s territorial waters. Just a year later, after one unsuccessful meeting between the parties, Malaysia initiated proceedings against Singapore, to stop its reclamation works around these islands. Malaysia’s claim for provisional measures to stop the Pulau Tekong reclamation works until the disposal of the dispute raised the larger issue of conflicting legal rights - Singapore’s right to reclaim part of its territorial sea for national needs, and Malaysia’s concern to protect its maritime environment from harm.

The authors, who were part of the multidisciplinary and multi-agency team tasked with presenting Singapore’s case at ITLOS, recount the facts of the reclamation dispute and the ITLOS proceedings culminating in a pragmatic outcome, one that paves the way for future cases of this nature to be resolved in a similar way. This book would be of interest to students and readers of international relations, international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes.

Kampong Boy
M. Ravi
Singapore: Ethos Books, 2013
ISBN: 9789810757557

Over the last decade, M Ravi has been involved in some of the most high profile and politically sensitive constitutional cases in Singapore. He has taken a courageous stand against the mandatory death penalty; argued for the right to free assembly, freedom of expression, the right to by-election, and equal rights for members of the LGBT community. Because of his advocacy for these issues, he has come to be seen as Singapore's leading human rights lawyer, one of the few willing to battle away on these important issues.

Taking up human rights causes in the Lion City is often perceived by the authorities as an act of disloyalty, and those labelled as disloyal can see their own rights and liberties impinged upon. What are the springs of this commitment and the moral strength that have allowed Ravi to continue on this sometimes perilous path?

To answer this, Ravi takes us back to his roots in one of Singapore's few multi-racial villages, or kampongs. The lessons he learnt there – about family, cooperation with others and compassion – have infused much of his life and guided him on his path towards the pursuit of justice.

The Law in His Hands: A Tribute to Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong
Chao Hick Tin, Andrew Phang Boon Leong, V K Rajah, Yeo Tiong Min (eds.)
Singapore: Academy of Law, 2012
ISBN: 9789810738174

This book celebrates the 75th birthday of former Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong. Comprising three parts, the book underscores what has been an extraordinary life in the law displayed in all its manifold and variegated aspects. Part I of the book contains a short biographical essay and a number of speeches and interviews. In Part II, experts in the various fields of law synthesise and analyse the former Chief Justice's contributions in the major areas of Singapore law. Part III contains a representative selection of Mr Chan's publications and speeches, written or delivered in his capacity as both Attorney-General and Chief Justice - all marked by his characteristically deep scholarship as well as practical approach towards the law.

The Prosecutor
Glenn Knight
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish, 2012
ISBN: 9789814302333

Glenn Knight was Singapore’s first Director of Commercial Affairs and Deputy Public Prosecutor until his illustrious career of public service came to an abrupt end. This book covers both the personal and professional landscape of this former top crime buster and high-flier, and details the highly publicised cases he handled including the Adrian Lim murders, and the Pan-El and JB Jeyaretnam cases. It also describes his learning experience working with major legal personalities like Mr TT Rajah, AG Tan Boon Teik, Singapore’s first Chief Justice Wee Chong Jin, Justice FA Chua, Justice Choor Singh and Mr David Marshall.

Financial Services and Wealth Management in Singapore
Tan Chwee Huat
Singapore: NUS Press, 2011
ISBN: 9789971695767

During the last decade, many changes have taken place in the Singapore financial marketplace. The Montary Authority of Singapore has implemented numerous reforms to liberalize the financial services sector. Since 2002, two new laws have come into effect. The Securities and Futures Act and the Financial Advisors Act have important impact on the financial community. Institutions must hold the Cpaital Market Services (CMS) licence and the Financial Advisors licence and their representatives must pass the CMFAS examinations. This book discusses the changes in detail. Part A provides details of the reforms and discusses the impact of the new laws and regulations. Part B highlights the wide range of financial services and products provided by the institutions. In this edition, two new chapters have been added. They focus on issues related to wealth management which has become the recent focus of many banks that provide services to high net worth individuals or HNWIs. This book should be of interest to all financial institutions and professionals. It is also a must-read for investors who have to choose from a wide range of financial products.

Legal Legacies: The Story of Singapore Law
Singapore Academy of Law Legal Heritage Committee
Singapore: Academy Publishing, 2011
ISBN: 9789810885113

This book is a delightful synopsis of Singapore’s rich legal heritage. It highlights the development of Singapore’s legal system, the evolution of legal practice and the changes in court systems from tenuous beginnings to world-class status.

Legal Legacies provides a pictorial look at the key moments, places and people in Singapore’s legal history over 60 photographs, many of which are seen here for the first time, punctuated by interesting anecdotes

Singapore Women's Charter: Roles, Responsibilities and Rights in Marriage
Theresa W. Devasahayam (ed.)
Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, 2011
ISBN: 9789814279765

The chapters in this book are an assembly of commentaries by a distinguished team of specialists on the social impact of the Singapore Women's Charter on women and men. The Women's Charter is the main legislation protecting women's rights in the context of the family in Singapore. Highlights of this book include the reasons for the significance of legislation to protect women's rights in marriage; how the legislation came about; case studies from Southeast Asia; how the Singapore Women's Charter evolved and became established; how the Charter goes beyond protecting women's rights by reinforcing men's and women's obligations and duties in a marital partnership; how the Charter has come to be perceived by men and women especially in its enforcement in the context of divorce; and the social repercussions of the Charter on the family in its application.

There has been ongoing discussion on the implications of the Charter on the lives of Singaporean women and men for some years since its implementation. The purpose of this book is to enrich our understanding of this legislation further - its objectives, efficacy and shortfalls.

Rodyk: 150 Years
Cheong Suk-Wai
Singapore: Straits Times Press, 2011
ISBN: 9789814266888

Rodyk & Davidson, Singapore's first professional practice to lay claim to a heritage of 150 years, shares its past glories and less than glorious episodes in its colourful history. This law partnership has stood firm and tall in Raffles Place for 150 years, riding through grave personal tragedies, two world wars, internment by the Japanese and the occasional scandal or three. In that time, its lawyers drafted Malaya's first constitution and almost every pre-World War II ordinance in Singapore, facilitated the legal creation of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation and advised Singapore premier Lee Kuan Yew. It was Singapore's pre-eminent law firm up to the few years following the departure of Graham Hill, its most famous son in modern times, and Tom Potts, the last of its expatriate lawyers, who left Singapore in 1976 and 1977 in the wake of the Haw Par-Slater Walker scandal. Over the next two decades, the firm lost some of its lustre. Then in November 2002 the 141-year-old firm entered into a historic merger with Helen Yeo & Partners, a firm which had stayed in a start-up mode through its short 10-year life. The merger of equals brought the combined firm into the league of five largest law firms. In eight short years, the transformation of the firm gave it a higher profile and standing not seen since the late 1970s. Rodyk's management makes its contribution to the legal profession by sharing the management concepts and philosophies that unlocked the value of a heritage name and transformed the firm. The insights in outgoing Managing Partner Helen Yeo's "Perspectives" and the last three chapters give us a glimpse of the elixir for professional life referred to by Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong in his essay "The Rise and Fall and Rise of Heritage Law Firms". The firm's Managing Partner from 2011, Senior Counsel Philip Jeyaretnam, contributes his perspective in the last pages.

While the rebirth and rebranding of a venerable firm is of direct interest to lawyers and business readers, the firm's role in the history of Singapore and its neighbours makes this book a tantalising read for anyone who enjoys the history of business and the business of transformation.

You & the Law: The Essential Guide to Different Areas of the Law in Singapore [4^th ed.]
Doris Chia (ed.)
Singapore: Singapore Association of Women Lawyers, 2011
ISBN: 9789810867461

 You & the Law is possibly the only book in Singapore that simplifies 20 different areas of the law and other common topics for the layperson. Written simply, and sometimes in a question and answer format, this is a user-friendly publication for the man in the street.

 This is a community project which embodies the contribution, work and generosity of many individuals and organisations who believe in, and support the Singapore Association of Women Lawyers' (SAWL) commitment to the community. With this book, SAWL hopes to enable any educated layman to have some idea of his or her rights and obligations. It discusses most, if not all areas of law that members of the public may need to know, or is likely to encounter, in the course of his or her life, for example:

• Who can get a divorce in Singapore?
• When can the police arrest a person?
• What is defamation?
• What to do when involved in an accident?
• Inheritance & succession – who gets your assets when you die?
• What is the difference between copyright and trademark?
• What are your legal rights as an employee?
• What to look out for when buying residential property?
• Starting a business – what are the pros and cons of incorporating a sole proprietorship as opposed to a company?
• What should you do when you suspect there could be medical negligence?
• What to do if you cannot afford a lawyer?  

Edited by eminent lawyer Ms Doris Chia, the chapters to this book are contributed by lawyers with special knowledge in the relevant areas of law, corporate leaders and various government and non-government organisations. It is as useful a legal reference not only for the lay person, but also for the legally trained.

Contract Smart: Understanding Contract Law in Singapore
Tan Soon Meng
Singapore: Marshall Cavendish Business, 2010
ISBN: 9789812618849

Whether it is an agreement between companies or a simple purchase of groceries from your local supermarket, contracts form a huge part of our daily lives. With its focus on the practical business aspects of contracts, Contract Smart is the ultimate guide for anyone who needs to understand Singapore contract law and make better contractual decisions.

The First Chief: Wee Chong Jin: A Judicial Portrait
John Koh
Singapore: Academy Publishing, 2010
ISBN: 9789810856304

"This book assesses Chong Jin's achievements in building up a highly respected judiciary amidst a tumultuous social and political environment that made it necessary for him to take a safe road that would preserve the Judiciary's independence in dispensing justice to all equally and impartially. As the author says, Chong Jin was a wise judge, and 'As the Chief Justice, he steered the Judiciary through the turbulence and his era laid the foundation for the rule of law of modern Singapore'.
...
This is a book which all members of the Bar, especially the present generation of lawyers, should read to get the flavour of the public persona of Chong Jin. He had sought, by example and precept, to uphold the dignity of his office, the integrity of the Judiciary in administering justice, and the rule of law throughout his long years of service as Chief Justice. Readers can judge for themselves whether he has succeeded and left a legacy worthy of remembrance by the Bench and the Bar."
- Chief Justice Chan Sek Keong

An Introduction to Singapore's Constitution (revised ed.)
Kevin Y.L. Tan
Singapore: Talisman Publishing, 2011
ISBN: 9789810864569

Law is one of the most jargon-filled and least-understood of disciplines, and among its sub-branches, constitutional law is considered one of the most difficult and arcane. Yet, the Constitution affects every one of us in ways we seldom contemplate.

In this volume, the reader is quickly introduced to the basic concepts of constitutionalism, such as the separation of powers, the rule of law and the principle of judicial review. In twelve succinct chapters, this book covers the basic structure of government in Singapore as well as the fundamental liberties protected under the Constitution.

Written with a minimum of fuss and jargon, this book provides the high-school student and interested layperson with a compact and accessible guide to Singapore's Constitution. A comprehensive reading list, glossary and list of cases cited is included for those interested in a more in-depth exploration of this topic.