New measures target misuse of judicial processes to safeguard trust in the legal system.
Addressing Abusive Legal Tactics
Singapore is introducing stricter penalties for those who abuse court processes with baseless and time-wasting applications, commonly referred to as “lawfare.” Minister of State for Law Murali Pillai emphasized that such behavior undermines trust in the judicial system and constitutes contempt of court.
Examples of Abuses
The phenomenon includes:
Filing fictitious claims to delay criminal proceedings.
Persistently submitting groundless applications.
Initiating baseless civil claims to oppress defendants.
Legislative Amendments
Under the Administration of Justice (Protection) (Amendment) Bill, individuals engaging in such actions, or abetting others to do so, may face fines or imprisonment. Penalties include fines of up to $20,000 or one year in jail for State Court violations, and up to $100,000 or three years in jail for High Court or Court of Appeal violations.
Safeguards for Ethical Legal Practice
The amendments ensure litigants and lawyers acting in good faith are not penalized. Cases like presenting new evidence close to sentencing, later found invalid, would not fall under these new penalties if the lawyer acted reasonably.
Chilling Effect Concerns Addressed
MPs raised concerns about possible impacts on lawyers. Minister Murali assured that the standards for legal professionals remain unchanged and that the amendments target deliberate misuse rather than genuine attempts to seek justice.
