The mission of the Judicature is to administer
justice and uphold the Rule of Law. A total budget
of $124 million has been allocated to the Judicature
in FY2006 to achieve this mission. The Judicature
consists of the Supreme Court and Subordinate
Courts.
The Supreme Court’s vision is to establish
and maintain a world-class Judiciary. It will
do this by putting in place efficient and effective
court processes to enhance access to justice
and instill public trust and confidence in the
court system. The Supreme Court comprises the
High Court and the Court of Appeal. As a superior
court of record, the High Court also supervises
the Subordinate Courts and administrative tribunals
through the processes of appeal and judicial
review. The Court of Appeal is the highest court
of the land. The decisions of the Court of Appeal
will clarify and confirm the law, and establish
precedents for the guidance of all courts.
The Subordinate Courts manage more than 95%
of all judicial matters in Singapore. Specifically,
the Criminal Justice Division protects the public
by deterring crime while the Civil Justice Division
ensures the effective and fair resolution of
civil disputes. The Juvenile Justice and Family
Justice Divisions aim to reintegrate juvenile
delinquents into society and protect family obligations
respectively. The Courts' daily business of upholding
the rule of law and administering justice sustains
investors' confidence and contributes to social
stability and economic progress.
The Supreme Court
A budget of $57 million will be utilised
for all the operations of the Supreme Court,
including:
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To process, manage and deliver a just
decision according to the law in about
20,800 civil and criminal cases and applications,
based on the prescribed timelines and allocated
resources;
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To provide the enforcement machinery
through a system of court bailiffs;
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To provide information services to allow
the legal profession and members of the
public to have access to court records;
and
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To conduct public education programmes
on the Singapore court system, correcting
misconceptions and keeping the community
informed of developments in the courts.
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The
Supreme Court commenced operations at the new
building in June 2005. The New Supreme
Court Building has the necessary physical infrastructure,
security set-up and standards, and facilities
to cater to the needs and requirements of an
evolving judiciary as it strives to maintain
a first-rate administration of justice. A sum
of $13 million will be expended in FY 2006 as
part of the final payments for the construction
of the new building.
The Subordinate Courts
A total budget of $54 million to effectively
administer justice, uphold the rule of law and
enhance access to justice:
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To process about 360,000 criminal, civil,
matrimonial and small claims cases;
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To enhance criminal justice administration
by refining criminal work processes, implementing
pre-prosecution Pre-Trial Conferences to
facilitate case resolution without trial,
and redeveloping our computerized criminal
case management system;
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To enhance the delivery of civil justice
through an increase in court-based and
court-referred mediation programmes; the
efficient use of third sector resources;
and an increase in the Small Claims Tribunal’s
jurisdiction;
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To enhance family and juvenile justice
administration by refining family court
work processes and operating programmes;
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To enhance corporate governance by refining
performance measurement and strategic management
systems;
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To enhance IT infrastructure for expeditious
and effective case management and processing;
and
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To sustain the enforcement and administration
of security and business continuity measures
in the court premises to ensure a safe
environment for court users, the general
public and court staff.
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The Attorney-General’s Chambers
The mission of the Attorney-General’s
Chambers is to enhance the rule of law and constitutional
government in Singapore by providing sound legal
advice and assistance in developing a fair and
responsive legal system, furthering good public
administration and protecting the interests of
the State and of the people. Its core values
are: The Rule of Law, A Just Legal System, Integrity & Impartiality,
Competence & Professionalism, Teamwork & Cooperation,
and the Public Interest.
Attorney-General’s Chambers comprise
the Civil Division, Criminal Justice Division,
International Affairs Division, Legislation Division,
and the Law Reform and Revision Division. These
legal divisions are supported by the Library
and Resource Centre, Computer Information Systems
Department and Corporate Services Division. A
total budget of S$56 million will be allocated
for the Attorney General's Chambers to:
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Provide sound legal advice and representation
for the Government in civil cases, and
matters involving constitutional and administrative
law.
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Enhance the rule of law and principles
of good governance among government departments.
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Promote a just criminal justice system
which protects the public and ensures that
wrongdoers are brought to justice.
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Pursue a fair and impartial policy in
the prosecution of offenders based on sufficient
evidence and the public interest.
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Protect and advance Singapore’s
interests internationally through effective
practice and application of public international
law.
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Advise government departments on international
law and represent the State in treaty negotiations
and dispute resolution.
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Draft legislation to give effect to
Parliamentary intention in a simple, clear
and concise manner.
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Support Parliamentary Select Committees
in legislation reviews and advise government
on statutory interpretation.
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Review and reform the law to meet the
needs of Singapore and its people in the
21st century.
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Revise, consolidate, modernise and simplify
legislation for the public to better understand
the law.
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