Description

Led by the Singapore Court of Appeal (SGCA), the last 10 years have seen considerable clarification in the law on statutory interpretation in Singapore. This seminar offers a summary of the main developments in the area, as well as some commentary on them.

We start by laying out the 3-step framework to statutory interpretation as stated in Tan Cheng Bock v AG, and the key principles of statutory interpretation that have been endorsed by the SGCA. We then offer two comments. First, we respectfully suggest that the law as a whole actually allows more flexible use of extrinsic material than the SGCA appears to say the law permits. Second, we argue that reference to policies underlying the area of law in question may on occasion ultimately be necessary to resolve questions of statutory interpretation.

About the Speakers

Benny is currently a Sheridan Fellow at the NUS Faculty of Law. He holds a LLB from the faculty, but also has interdisciplinary training from his MPhil in Criminological Research (Cambridge). He has practice experience as a Deputy Public Prosecutor, as well as a defence counsel. He teaches and has research interests in criminal law, and criminal procedure and evidence, with an especial specialisation in sentencing law and policy.

Justin is a Senior Lecturer in NUS law faculty. He holds an LLB (NUS, 1st Class Honors), BBA (NUS), and an LLM in tax (NYU, where he was a Vanderbilt scholar). He practised tax law at Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow, advising on the international tax aspects of cross-border transactions.

Justin has published in tax-related journals, including International Tax Review and IBFD’s Asia-Pacific Tax Bulletin. He teaches tax and torts at NUS Law.