Constitutional Interpretation In Singapore

At the heart of constitutional interpretation is the struggle between, on the one hand, fidelity to founding meanings, and, on the other hand, creative interpretation to suit the context and needs of an evolving society. This book considers the recent growth of constitutional cases in Singapore in the last ten years. It examines the underpinnings of Singapore’s constitutional system, explores how Singapore courts have dealt with issues related to rights and power, and sets developments in Singapore in the wider context of new thinking and constitutional developments worldwide. It argues that Singapore is witnessing a shift in legal and political culture as both judges and citizens display an increasing willingness to engage with constitutional ideas and norms.

This book presents a timely assessment of the impact of history, politics and economics in shaping the Singapore Constitution, going beyond the descriptive narrative, the authors will cast a critical eye over the developments of the last 40 years.

Derived from the renowned multi-volume International Encyclopaedia of Laws, this very useful analysis of constitutional law in Singapore provides essential information on the country’s sources of constitutional law, its form of government, and its administrative structure. Lawyers who handle transnational matters will appreciate the clarifications of particular terminology and its application. Throughout the book, the treatment emphasizes the specific points at which constitutional law affects the interpretation of legal rules and procedure. Thorough coverage by a local expert fully describes the political system, the historical background, the role of treaties, legislation, jurisprudence, and administrative regulations. The discussion of the form and structure of government outlines its legal status, the jurisdiction and workings of the central state organs, the subdivisions of the state, its decentralized authorities, and concepts of citizenship. Special issues include the legal position of aliens, foreign relations, taxing and spending powers, emergency laws, the power of the military, and the constitutional relationship between church and state. Details are presented in such a way that readers who are unfamiliar with specific terms and concepts in varying contexts will fully grasp their meaning and significance. Its succinct yet scholarly nature, as well as the practical quality of the information it provides, make this book a valuable time-saving tool for both practising and academic jurists. Lawyers representing parties with interests in Singapore will welcome this guide, and academics and researchers will appreciate its value in the study of comparative constitutional law.

"This book was originally published as a monograph in the International Encyclopaedia of Laws/Constitutional Law."

Singapore's Constitution was hastily cobbled together after her secession from the Federation of Malaysia in 1965. In the subsequent 50 years, the Constitution has been amended many times to evolve a Constitution like no other in the world. Outwardly, Singapore has a Westminster-type constitutional democracy, with an elected legislature, fundamental liberties and safeguards to ensure the independence of the judiciary. On closer inspection, the Constitution displays many innovative and unusual characteristics. Most notable among them are the various types of Members of Parliament that have been introduced since the mid-1980s, the office of the Elected President and the fact that there is no constitutional right to property. This volume seeks to explain the nature and context of these constitutional innovations in the context of a pluralistic, multi-ethnic state obsessed with public order and security. The volatile racial mix of Singapore, with its majority Chinese population nestled in a largely Malay/Islamic world, compels the state to search for ethnic management solutions through the Constitution to guarantee to the Malays and other ethnic minorities their status in the polity. In addition, it examines how the concept of the rule of law is perceived by the strong centrist state governed by a political party that has been in power since 1959 and continues to hold almost hegemonic power.

"Constitution of the Republic of Singapore" by Republic of Singapore. Published by Good Press. Good Press publishes a wide range of titles that encompasses every genre. From well-known classics & literary fiction and non-fiction to forgotten−or yet undiscovered gems−of world literature, we issue the books that need to be read. Each Good Press edition has been meticulously edited and formatted to boost readability for all e-readers and devices. Our goal is to produce eBooks that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone in a high-quality digital format.

"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"--P. [4] of cover.