Law Commons^™

China's Development Of International Economic Law And Wto Legal Capacity Building, Pasha L. Hsieh

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

This article examines legal and institutional aspects of the evolution of China’s approach to the dispute settlement mechanism of the World Trade Organization (WTO). It begins by analyzing the impact of China’s changing attitude toward international law on the escalation of international economic law research. In particular, the article provides the first detailed examination of China’s efforts to strengthen public–private cooperation in building its WTO legal capacity. China established think tanks to bridge the information and communication gaps between the government and industries. To develop its WTO lawyers, the Chinese government has consistently required international law firms to collaborate with …

The Amicus Curiae: Friends No More?, S. Chandra Mohan

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

A term commonly used in both common law and civil law jurisdictions and in domestic and international tribunals is the Latin term amicus curiae or a 'friend of the court'. Who is this friend of the court and what is his role in legal proceedings? Largely because of the remarkable manner in which this ancient institution has developed in different legal systems and been used differently even in countries sharing a common legal tradition, such as the United States and the Commonwealth countries, the important question is whether the amicus curiae can still be considered a 'friend' of any tribunal …

Two Contrasting Approaches In The Interpretation Of Outdated Statutory Provisions, Yihan Goh

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

Some statutes in operation today were passed a long time ago. Inevitably, through the passage of time, social norms at the time of enactment may now be unrecognizable. Two recent cases show contrasting approaches towards the interpretation of outdated statutory provisions. The first approach is seen in the Singapore High Court case of WX v.WW. That case concerned the interpretation of section 114 of the Evidence Act, a decidedly ancient statutory provision. The second approach was adopted by the Singapore Court of Appeal in AAG v. Estate of AAH, deceased. In that case, the Court of Appeal had to interpret …

Religion In The Abortion Discourse In Singapore: A Case Study Of The Relevance Of Religious Arguments In Law-Making In Multi-Religious Democracies, Seow Hon Tan

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The article discusses the social issue on religion in the abortion discourse in Singapore. It mentions the relevance of religious arguments in law-making in multi-religious democracies. It notes that laws on abortion vary across different jurisdictions, like prohibiting abortion under all circumstances to freely allowing it without restriction as to reason.

Oral History Interview With Low Kee Yang: Conceptualising Smu, Kee Yang Low

Oral History Collection

The interview covered: first involvement with SMU, university education in Singapore, curriculum, CIRCLE values, private university, logo, teaching pedagogy, interview students for admissions, legal aspects, incorporation of SMU, first day of class, law school, challenges, student recruitment, law internships, Juris Doctor programme, challenges.

Biography:

Associate Professor of Law, SMU, 2000–present

Member of SMU start-up team

Professor Low Kee Yang joined the start-up team for SMU in 1998; one of his responsibilities was supervising legal matters. He served as deputy dean of the business school from 1999 to 2002 and chaired the organising committee for the Lee Kuan Yew Global Business …

International Legal Framework On The Prevention Of Vessel-Source Pollution, Nengye Liu

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

T h is paper exa mi ne s the international legal f r a m e w o r k of the prevention of vessel-source marine pollution. It provides an overview of current international framework. First-the study introduces International Maritime Organization (IM O ) and the Law of the Sea Convention (LO SC ). Second-it analyzes the relation between Conventions adopted under the auspices of the IMO (IMO Conventions) and the LOSC. Third.it discusses major IMO Conventions dealing with prevention of vessel-source pollution. Finally, this paper addresses challenges of the international legal framework.

The Messy Reality Of Organised Crime Research, Mark Findlay, Nafis Hanif

Research Collection School of Social Sciences

The analysis starts out by confronting and exposing the ideological motivations for dualism in conventional organised crime research. In order to suggest a cognitive pathway beyond this restrictive normative frame, it is essential to appreciate its potency and resilience. Law enforcement language buoyed up by popular culture representations of gangs, syndicates and crime bosses have become the accepted starting point for much research in the field. Research from this perspective, we suggest, plays its own part in organised crime mystification and as such retards the critical utility of enterprise theory. Next the paper shows how distracted and distorted theorising infects …

Redemption And Resistance: Lessons In Non-Violent Action From Early Aotearoa/New Zealand, Ian Macduff

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

This article provides a brief account of the non-violent resistance of two Maori chiefs, Te Whiti and Tohu, in 19th century New Zealand. Each example of such non-violent or passive resistance is unique to its historical and cultural context; but at the same time there is a tangible common ground between this example and those found elsewhere, such as Martin Luther King and Gandhi. This article will also draw a link between the politics of acts of resistance – in this case, resistance to the forceful acquisition of Maori land – and faith-based justifications. In conclusion, it will be suggested …

E C Investment Holding Pte Ltd V Ridout Residence Pte Ltd And Another (Orion Oil Limited And Another, Interveners), Yihan Goh

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The High Court decision of E C Investment Holding Pte Ltd v Ridout Residence Pte Ltd and another (Orion Oil Limited and another, Interveners) [2010] SGHC 270 (“E C Investment”) raises several contractual issues, chief amongst which – and the focus of this note – concern duress. This note discusses three points of the judgment relating to duress: (a) the reaffirmation of economic duress as a vitiating factor; (b) the status of lawful threats; and (c) the burden of proof in economic duress cases.

A 30-Per-Cent Deviation Is Too Wide, Tan K. B. Eugene

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

Following Prime Minister Lee's recent announcement that the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee (EBRC) had been convened, SMU Assistant Professor Eugene Tan opined that the 30-per-cent deviation rule, of which the EBRC operates on, is too wide and ?overly-generous? in small and compact Singapore. Professor Tan also commented that the committee's redrawing of electoral boundaries should avoid being seen as gerrymandering.

Iftikhar Chaudhry’S Options: Can The Courts Remake Pakistani Democracy?, Shubhankar Dam

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

No abstract provided.

Constitutional Fiats: Presidential Legislation In India's Parliamentary Democracy, Shubhankar Dam

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The article presents information on the presidential legislation of the parliamentary democracies, India and Pakistan. It discusses the role of the President acting as the Council of Ministers for the enactment of legislations as ordinances without the consent of the Parliament. Information on the legal interpretation of the ordinances and its interaction with the principles of the parliamentary system of the government is also presented.

Four Mediation Stories From Across The Globe, Nadja Alexander

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

In the past 30 years mediation has emerged as a significant dispute resolution narrative around the world. It contains many stories told by different story-tellers -- stories about diverse practices, communities and courts, in creasing institutionalisation, regulation, accreditation, standards, research and theoretical developments. Together these stories weave a tapestry of our social and cultural experience of mediation and define mediation as a narrative, a practice and a profession.

The European Union And International Maritime Organization: Eu’S External Influence On The Prevention Of Vessel-Source Pollution, Nengye Liu, Frank Maes

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The European Union (EU), with its 27 Member States, has a coastline 70, 000 km along two oceans and four seas. Its well-being is therefore inextricably linked with the sea.' Europe plays a major role in today's shipping world, 41% of the world's total fieet (in dwt) is beneficially controlled by European companies.^ Ensuring that the use of the marine environment is genuinely sustainable is a prerequisite for the EU's sea-related industries to be competitive.

Proximity To Power: How People Keep Governments Honest, Knowledge@Smu

Knowledge@SMU

It is widely accepted that governments are likelier to cater to majority needs. However, history has shown, time and again, that unhappy minorities are a force to be reckoned with. Inequality, on top of an absence of channels by which people may voice their needs and discontent, will motivate insurrections – especially if the dissenting minorities are concentrated within the country's capital city. According to a study conducted by assistant professors Do Quoc-Anh and Filipe Campante from SMU and Harvard University respectively, an "honest", accountable government may have just as much to do with geography as it does with leadership. …

Asia Alone? Not Time Yet To Jettison Ties, Knowledge@Smu

Knowledge@SMU

Much has been written about the relationships between America and Asia, largely built on the rubble of the Cold War. It is now a very different world. Following the recent financial crisis, the strains and changes in the relationship between has been further accentuated. A growing number in Asia were talking of extending the de-coupling beyond just economical ties. Simon Tay, chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, provides his views on how Asia and America should change and engage each other for the post-crisis future. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Division Of Matrimonial Assets: A Mathematical Methodology As A "Check"? Ajr V. Ajs, Siyuan Chen

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

In a recent High Court decision concerning the division of matrimonial assets, the Judge developed an extensive (and somewhat mathematical) methodology “as a rough check” to his discretionary powers in determining a “just and equitable” division of the matrimonial assets. This introduced a new perspective to an exercise long considered to be impossible to be mathematically precise. This piece considers the extent of the utility of the new methodology.

Discharge Of A Contract Where Both Parties Are In Breach: Alliance Concrete Singapore Pte Ltd V Comfort Resources Pte Ltd, Chee Ho Tham

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

This case note examines the most recent attempt by the Court of Appeal to provide further guidance on: (a) how the doctrine of discharge of contract by breach operates when both parties are in breach of their contract obligations; and (b) when a promisee is entitled to rely on an alternate basis to justify its election to discharge a contract for the promisor’s breach when the basis originally relied upon and communicated to the promisor is ultimately found to be legally insufficient.

To Build A Nation From The Bottom Up, Tan K. B. Eugene

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

After 45 years of economic achievement, genuine political participation has to be the next stage

Report Of The Law Reform Committee On Online Gaming And Singapore, Joyce A. Tan, Aqbal Singh, Yee Fen Lim, Wai Yee Wan, Warren B. Chik,

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The terms “gaming” and “gambling” are fairly wide and they refer to a wide range of activities. Traditionally, the term “gambling” has been used to cover lotteries, wagers and casino-style games. “Gaming” has also been used traditionally in some literature to cover not only activities involving gambling but also games of skill or games predominantly of skill. However, in recent times, certain jurisdictions such as the United States (“US”) and Australia have drawn a distinction between “online gaming” and “online gambling”. The former is used to refer to games played in an online environment which do not have the elements …

The Non-Frustration Rule Of The Uk City Code On Takeover And Mergers And Related Agency Problems: What Are The Implications For The Ec Takeover Directive?, Han-Wei Liu

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The Takeover Directive, first envisioned in the White Paper on completing the Internal Market, was finally adopted in 2004, after almost 20 years of work. The Takeover Directive is based upon the assumption that the takeover offers numerous benefits to companies, investors, and, ultimately, the European economy as a whole. The functions of a takeover include disciplining management, stimulating competition, and disseminating good management practice, thus improving the quality of management as well as corporate performance. While one of the major purposes of the Takeover Directive is to mitigate the agency problem in the takeover context, some mechanisms, such as …

The Challenges For Asian Jurisdictions In The Development Of International Criminal Justice, Mark Findlay

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The paper reviews the different frameworks for international criminal justice in which China’s influence can be measured, or should be present, looking specifically at procedural traditions on which international criminal law and its jurisprudence are said to be based. Understanding China as a transitional hybrid criminal justice model undergoing radical transformation in its justice delivery and discourse, it is argued, assists significantly in forecasting where the synthesis of international criminal procedure may be heading. Attached to a re-interpretation and critique of individualised liability is the unpacking of China’s in principle commitment to communitarian rights and social protection as a foundation …

The (Ir)Relevance Of Harmonization And Legal Diversity To European Contract Law - A Perspective From Psychology, Gary Low

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

Differences between contract laws of Member States are often said to impose costs on and deter cross-border trade, and in order to increase cross-border trade, these contract laws ought to be harmonized. This article promises a paradigm shift in considering whether there is a need for harmonization; and if so, what form it ought to take. A behavioural approach is adopted to answer two underlying questions: how do actors think about these differences when they decide to contract? How does the form of harmonization influence such decisions? Insights from disciplines like cognitive and social psychology are identified and applied to …

Tort Law, Kumaralingam Amirthalingam, Gary Kok Yew Chan

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The three cases on conversion relate to the following issues: the distinction between the tort of conversion and the choice of remedy for purposes of determining the appropriate limitation period, the underlying rationale for conversion that is based essentially on possession of a chattel and finally, the question of whether a temporary certificate of entitlement for the purchase of a car in Singapore may be converted.

When The Text Runs Out: The Role Of The Court In Constitutional Construction, Jack Tsen-Ta Lee

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

Constitutions in Westminster-style legal systems in Asia such as India, Malaysia and Singapore feature bills of rights with provisions phrased at a high level of abstraction. As a consequence, at some stage a particular constitutional text ‘runs out’ and ceases to provide a court with substantive guidance as to how fundamental liberties should be applied to specific factual scenarios. Nonetheless, as it remains the court’s duty to understand the implications of the constitutional text in order to determine the dispute before it, the judge must necessarily engage in constitutional construction. This may be described as the process of articulating rules …

Private International Law From The Equitable Jurisdiction: Imperialism, Universalism And Pluralism, Tiong Min Yeo

2009 Yong Pung How Professorship of Law Lecture

One side-effect of globalization is increasing cross-border conflict arising from transactions between parties. Today, the courts have sophisticated tools to deal with such conflicts. The focus of this paper is the interrelation between the court’s approach when dealing with problems in its equitable jurisdiction, and its approach when dealing with cross-border problems.

Understanding The Rapid Rise Of Charismatic Christianity In Southeast Asia, Knowledge@Smu

Knowledge@SMU

There seems to be something about speaking in tongues, prophesy, sing-a-longs and loud music bands that augurs well with the well-heeled, educated, middle-class, ethnic Chinese Southeast Asian. Juliette Koning, a visiting professor at SMU, and her colleague first took notice of this as they were conducting research in the region; of how urban and upwardly mobile ethnic Chinese communities seemed to be drawn to this particular brand of Christian worship. An in-depth study that followed confirmed their observations. What's more, they found that while church attendances all across Asia have been expanding rapidly, Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia are said to …

The Text Through Time, Jack Tsen-Ta Lee

Research Collection Yong Pung How School Of Law

The text of a written constitution or bill of rights is prone to ‘drift’ or ‘slippage’ in the meanings of terms. Even if such meanings have not altered over time, because of changes in attitudes and values there may be disagreement with the text’s framers as to the scenarios that are covered or not covered by terms. This article submits that the distinction between the connotation and denotation of a term that has been applied in Australian jurisprudence is useful for determining the meaning of the text through time. The connotation of a term is the generally unchanging bundle of …

Malaysian Maverick: The Man Who Will Not Be Ignored, Knowledge@Smu

Knowledge@SMU

It's hard not to sit up and pay attention when one of the region's most influential political leaders speaks. But what happens when the rhetoric takes a turn towards anti-Semitism, anti-Westernisation and the antiquated? With more than two decades in office, Mahathir Mohamad is Malaysia's longest-serving chief executive and arguably one of the country's most respected figures. Retired since 2003, the nation's 'Father of Modernisation' has been through two heart surgeries, started a bakery business, and still, somehow, maintained a strong vocal presence in politics – with some degree of success – through his blog, news commentaries and public-speaking engagements. …

Peddling Propaganda To Sceptics: The Men In White Experience, Knowledge@Smu

Knowledge@SMU

One would think that writing a book based on Singapore’s ruling party would be relatively easy, especially if the authors are seasoned journalists with the oldest dominant newspaper of a country where the same party has ruled since independence. To the contrary, said Leong Weng Kam, Richard Lim and Sonny Yap, veteran Straits Times writers and authors of Men In White: The Untold Story of Singapore’s Ruling Political Party – a book that was not to be "propaganda", but try selling that to party-detractor, opposition, former-detainee interviewees, and then peddling the same claim to the general reading public.