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“As we stand at the cusp of a new century in the history of our courts and legal system, we can look to the future with anticipation, excitement and optimism,” said Chief Justice Menon in his speech on Monday.<\/p>\n
“Two hundred years ago, the Second Charter of Justice laid the foundations of our legal and judicial system. From those modest beginnings in 1826, we built institutions and platforms that today serve not only Singapore but contribute meaningfully to the global architecture of justice.”<\/p>\n
The Chief Justice cited a New York Times article that identified Singapore’s judiciary as one of just five in the world that enjoyed public confidence levels of 85 per cent or more, along with Norway, Denmark, Switzerland and Kuwait.<\/p>\n
“That affirms the sense that we have exceptionally good reason for celebrating the bicentennial,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Our journey from a colonial outpost to a leading international dispute resolution hub, with a judiciary that is cherished as a national institution, is a testament to our unwavering belief in the law\u2019s foundational importance to our nation-building enterprise, and our bold vision that our laws and legal institutions can become a cornerstone of regional and international commerce.”<\/p>\n
In his speech to a room full of judges and black-suited lawyers, the Chief Justice also announced the formation of a judicial precinct.<\/p>\n
This will be created in the Chinatown area when the Syariah Court joins the existing State Court Towers and the Family Justice Courts in Havelock Square.<\/p>\n
The Syariah Court, now in Lengkok Bahru, will move to the old Ministry of Labour building, which was gazetted as a national monument in 1998.<\/p>\n
The building was formerly occupied by the Family Justice Courts, until the latter moved into the octagonal building that housed the former State Courts until 2019.<\/p>\n
Law Society President Professor Tan Cheng Han, who took on the role after Mr Dinesh Singh Dhillon stepped down following controversy among lawyers over his appointment, also gave a speech.<\/p>\n
After paying tribute to his predecessor Ms Lisa Sam, Prof Tan touched on topics like technology and its impact on lawyers, and burnout leading to attrition among younger lawyers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n