The Singapore Judiciary – A Bicentennial History by Senior Judge Andrew Phang | 2026*

The Singapore Judiciary – A Bicentennial History by Senior Judge Andrew Phang | 2026*

The Singapore Judiciary – A Bicentennial History commemorates two centuries of the Singapore Judiciary, documenting its development from its colonial origins in 1826 to its present position within a modern and independent Singapore. The book examines the transformation of a legal system initially inherited from English law into a distinctive body of Singaporean jurisprudence.

Combining historical and legal scholarship with institutional perspectives, the book traces the development of Singapore’s courts at various levels and examines their collective contribution to maintaining the rule of law and promoting access to justice. In addition to recording the Judiciary’s historical development, the volume reflects on the principles, individuals, and significant events that have shaped the institution, while also considering the challenges and possibilities that may influence its future.

The publication also recognises the contributions of successive generations of judges and judicial officers, highlighting the Judiciary’s continuing importance as a fundamental institution within Singapore’s system of governance and society.

As a tribute to those who have contributed to the administration of justice in Singapore, the book contains a commemorative Appendix listing the names of all Chief Justices, recorders, judges, registrars, judicial officers, and Justices’ Law Clerks from the period of the Straits Settlements to the present day. The Appendix functions not only as an important historical reference but also as a lasting acknowledgement of the individuals who have contributed to the development of Singapore’s judicial system.

Table of Contents of The Singapore Judiciary – A Bicentennial History:

Chapter 1: Introduction - By Andrew Phang
Chapter 2: Interlude and Legal Chaos - By Andrew Phang
Chapter 3: The Second Charter of Justice - By Andrew Phang
Chapter 4: The Early Courts - By Andrew Phang
Chapter 5: The Common Law During the Colonial Period (1826–1959) - By Andrew Phang
Chapter 6: The State Courts - By See Kee Oon and Vincent Hoong
Chapter 7: The Family Justice Courts - By Debbie Ong and Teh Hwee Hwee
Chapter 8: The General Division of the High Court - By Hoo Sheau Peng
Chapter 9: The Appellate Courts - By Andrew Phang
Chapter 10: The Singapore International Commercial Court - By Sundaresh Menon and Philip Jeyaretnam
Chapter 11: Court Reforms - By Sundaresh Menon and Andrew Phang
Chapter 12: The Developing Jurisprudence of the Courts - By Andrew Phang, Jerrold Soh and Goh Yihan
Chapter 13: The Judges - By Andrew Phang
Chapter 14: Developing People - By Sundaresh Menon and Audrey Lim
Chapter 15: International Recognition of the Singapore Courts - By Jerrold Soh, Andrew Phang and Goh Yihan
Chapter 16: The Future - By Sundaresh Menon

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