Core Courses' Description

Commercial Conflict of Laws (LAW302)

This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles and methodologies of the conflict of laws (also known as private international law), with focus on their application in commercial transactions. Cross-border commercial transactions are the norm in a modern globalised era. The conflict of laws addresses three large questions: (1) in which country should the case be tried? (2) which country's law should be applied to resolve the dispute? (3) What should be the legal effect in one country of a judgment given in another? From the perspective of Singapore law, the questions translate into: (1) When would or should a Singapore court hear the case (and sometimes try to stop it from being heard in another country)? (2) Which country's law would or should the Singapore court apply to resolve the issue before it? And (3) What legal effect would or should a foreign judgment have in Singapore ? This is a course on Singapore conflict of laws, but comparisons will be made from time to time to the laws of other countries.

Comparative Legal Systems (LAW203)

The overall objective of the course is not to teach the laws of specific jurisdictions. The course aims to provide students with a macro perspective of how legal traditions (and systems) function so as to equip them with a conceptual understanding of the commonalities and differences of the various systems. This course will examine the various legal cultures and traditions within Asia, using the European and, to some extent, the US experience as a backdrop. The indigenous and historical background of legal development in Asia , including the Western and colonialist (and post-colonialist) influences will be explored from a number of different angles, with a view to providing the participants with an enhanced comparative "perspective." Specifically, the course will cover topics including introduction to comparative legal systems, Asian legal systems and their historic background, civil law tradition, common law tradition, mixed legal systems, legal pluralism, globalization and regionalization and dispute resolution in Asia .

Constitutional & Administrative Law (LAW204 - 1.5 units)

This course introduces the principles of constitutional law and administrative law. Constitutional law is concerned with the organization of the state, and the inter-relationship between the government, civil society, and the individual. Administrative law is about the governance of public bodies exercising statutory or other powers or performing public duties. In this regard, we are generally concerned with how law, institutions and norms promote good governance, how political power and public law functions are legitimated, how abuses of public power are prevented or remedied, and the relationship between the individual and the state.

Contract Law 1 (LAW101)

Contracts are the foundation of commercial life.  This course aims to equip students with a firm appreciation of the unique character of contracts as a form of voluntary undertakings. This course begins by examining the concepts relating to the formation of contract, as well as how an otherwise validly formed contract may have its effect nullified by issues such as misrepresentation, duress, undue influence, etc. Contract Law 1 will be followed in the second semester by LAW102 Contract Law 2 which will go on to look at issues relating to how a contract may be discharged, what sort of remedies are available when a contractual obligation is breached, as well as certain issues relating to contracts for the sale of goods. Over the two courses, the student will be sensitized to the role of the law in facilitating commerce, respecting legitimate expectations, and guarding against unfair exploitation of economic or social weakness. The study of the subject will also provide students with an excellent opportunity to observe, evaluate and critique developments in the law as it responds to the fast-changing and dynamic environment of the world of commerce.

Contract Law 2 (LAW102) 

This course follows on from LAW101 - CONTRACT LAW 1 in which students will have been introduced to some of the foundational topics in contract. In LAW102 - CONTRACT LAW 2, we will complete our survey of these foundational topics, and focus on the detailed application of these rules, and how they have been statutorily modified, in relation to one particular category of contracts, namely, contracts for the sale of goods.

Corporate Law (LAW205)

This course continues the consideration of company law from where Law201 Business Organisations left off. In addition, as the student would by now understand the concept of separate legal personality, LAW 205 will consider the Limited Liability Partnership, a hybrid vehicle introduced to widen the menu of available business vehicles, as well as the Business Trust.

Criminal Law (LAW103 - 1.5 units)

This course will introduce students to the fundamental principles of criminal liability in Singapore . Criminal law will first be examined from a jurisprudential view point with a study of its aims and objectives and the purpose of crime control and punishment in society. Students will study the major offences (against the person and property) and general defences under the Penal Code and some selected statutes. Legislative provisions, judicial decisions interpreting these provisions and proposals for reform of the law, both in Singapore and elsewhere, will be closely examined. In addition, students will learn about the Singapore criminal process and how a person accused of a crime is investigated, tried in court and, if found guilty, convicted and sentenced within our criminal justice system.

Economic Analysis of Law (LAW305)

The economic analysis of law, or the law and economics movement, is one of the major theoretical perspectives in legal studies in the US , and has exerted a growing influence on legal thinking around the world. This course examines the role of economic principles in analyzing the law. It seeks to provide students with an understanding of the law based on microeconomic analysis. Under the economic approach to law, laws are viewed as providing incentives for influencing human behavior and as instruments for achieving policy objectives. We will explore the economic rationale underlying the primary rules of certain key areas of law, including, inter alia , those relating to property, contracts, and torts. The course also addresses criticisms of the economic approach to law, in particular, the redistributive approach to private law. Students are expect ed to learn the basic skills of applying cost-benefit analysis to law, and will be encouraged to apply this analytical method to the making of policy judgments with respect to law and regulations . This course is also aimed at enriching the economic and business sense of law students, which will add critical value to a career in law , either as a private practitioner or as an administrator in the public sector. Students will be encouraged throughout the course to reflect not only on what the law is, but also on what it should be.

Law & Regulation (LAW304)

In recent years, regulation has emerged as one of the most distinct and important fields of socio-legal study, both for scholars, policy-makers and for legal practitioners who require a theoretical framework that can be applied to any sector. This course examines the objectives, structure, economic underpinnings and instruments of regulation; encouraging students to interrogate legal institutions beyond the narrow confines of legal doctrine alone. Bridging theory and practice, it will also consider real-life legal issues involved in the regulation of business & finance, and other sectors in Singapore and beyond . By adopting an interdisciplinary approach and emphasizing the role of law in its broader social and political context, this course will be a valuable tool for the student coming to legal problems.

Law of Business Organisations (LAW201)

Singapore law recognises that there are many ways one can organise commercial activities with a view to maximising operational efficiency and minimising exposure to personal risk.  These diverse mechanisms, ranging from agency, sole proprietorships, partnerships, bodies corporate and others, form the core of the content of this course (LAW 201) and of LAW 205 Corporate Law (to be taught in semester 2). LAW 201 will focus on sole proprietorships, partnerships (including the proposed limited partnership) and part of company law. LAW 205 will cover the remainder of company law as well as limited liability partnerships (LLPs), business trusts and miscellaneous business vehicles.

Law of Equity & Trusts (LAW303 - 1.5 units)

The objective of this course is to introduce students to the jurisdiction and principles of equity. To acquire a fundamental understanding of the subject, it is necessary to consider the history of equity and its evolution to the present day. In this course, the law of trusts will be examined in depth. The trust is considered the most significant contribution by equity and is applied in various areas of daily life. Through the study of the course, the students will come to appreciate the interrelationship of the different areas (e.g. the law of property, the law of unjust enrichment) of the law. The ability to view the law holistically is important for practice where complex legal problems are not presented in pre-identified contexts.

Materials from other Commonwealth jurisdictions will also be drawn upon for comparative purposes.

Law of Evidence (LAW307)

The Law of Evidence is primarily concerned with the Evidence Act's conceptualisation of relevance and admissibility of evidence in Singapore. "Exclusionary" rules such as hearsay, similar fact, and expert opinion will be explored. Other topics include standard and burden of proof, privilege, and statements. The relationship between the Evidence Act and the common law, as well as certain features of Singapore's justice system, are key themes.

Law of Property (LAW202 - 1.5 units)

This course aims to introduce students to the basic principles of common law and equity as applied to property, both immoveable and moveable including intellectual property. Beginning with an exploration of what ownership of land means, this course will consider how land can be dealt with at common law and in equity, before taking a look at how some of these complexities have receded, given the adoption and universal application of the Torrens registration system in Singapore . The question of ownership and transfer of moveable property at common law and equity will then be considered with particular attention to the difficulties posed by intangible moveable property in the form of intellectual property rights as well as other choses in action. Finally the course will examine the creation of security interests over immoveable and moveable property and the problems relating to determining the priorities of competing security interests.

Law of Torts (LAW105 - 1.5 units)

The course will examine general principles of tort law and a selected number of torts at greater depth. The goals and objectives of tort law will be examined in the context of the relationship between torts, contract and criminal law and property law. The course will emphasise the different range of interests to be protected by tort law (such as proprietary, economic and personal interests) as well as the mental element and conduct with respect to the alleged tortfeasor (intentional, recklessness, carelessness and strict liability). The significance of consequential harm and torts actionable per se will also be discussed. The course will illustrate the dynamic nature of tort law to meet changing social and economic conditions.

Legal Research & Writing (LAW106)

This course builds on the basic legal skills of case analysis and statutory interpretation taught in Legal System, Legal Method & Analysis in Term 1. The main objective of this course is to develop practical skills in legal analysis, research, writing and advocacy in first year law students. Drafting, interviewing and mediation skills will also be touched upon. The above skills will be taught in the context of legal problems in contract law, criminal law and/or tort law. The first half of the course focuses on predictive/objective writing and the basics of legal research (including how to find and use primary and secondary legal sources). The second half of the course focuses on persuasive writing, culminating in a moot court exercise.

By the end of the course, students should have acquired the following fundamental lawyering skills:

1. Ability to analyse facts and identify legal issues;
2. Ability to find the applicable law (whether caselaw or statute), using print and electronic legal research tools/resources;
3. Ability to analyse how that law applies to the facts in the case, so as to ascertain the parties' rights, obligations and options;
4. Ability to communicate the foregoing effectively, in writing and orally, to different audiences (eg client, law firm partner, court).

Singapore Legal System (LAW108)

Singapore belongs to the common law tradition, given its English colonial heritage. Many aspects of the legal system are thus derived from the English system. It is important to realise, though, that Singapore’s legal system and that of its constituent laws are not mere offshoots of the English. Many substantive and institutional features as well as rules and practices within the system have changed over time. 

Broadly speaking, topics include Singapore’s legal history, the sources of law in Singapore,  constitutional and institutional framework of the Singapore State, disruptions to and the regulation of the legal sector. Time permitting, a trip to a State institution may be organised.

The main objectives of the course are, firstly, to familiarise students to various key aspects of the Singapore legal system; and, secondly, to equip candidates with a set of fundamental legal knowledge to springboard to other courses within the core curriculum.

Legal Theory & Philosophy (LAW301)

Law, in its various forms, has an ideology, and sometimes many different ideologies. Legal Theory and Philosophy - part of the core curriculum - is intended to provide students with a foundation so as to be able to evaluate the many different ideologies that permeate the law. Many of these questions are generally considered to be devoid of practical relevance. Part of the effort in this course is to demonstrate to the students why such philosophical queries are not meaningless, but intimately connected with the everyday practice and performance of the law.

The praxis of law is literally impossible without the many assumptions - of values, utility and purpose - it works with. A course on Legal Theory must necessarily invite students to explore these assumptions and the forces that allow its practical transformation. How does society internalize these assumptions? Who benefits from these assumptions? Who are marginalized by these assumptions? And finally, in what ways does law draw from other social institutions in hardening these assumptions into "social reality"?

But beyond these evaluative tasks, a course on Legal Theory must also content with the "normative." Are alternative assumptions possible? What would an alternative characterization of law look like? Whose interests must trump in the alternative appraisal of the law? Do some individuals or groups of individuals have more intimate claims to the promise of law? If so, on what basis should be prioritize these claims?

In developing these questions, the course will draw upon traditional categories of philosophical analysis including schools of natural law, positivism, realist approaches to the law, Marxist approaches to the law etc. Additionally, it will introduce students to theories of morality (utilitarianism, deontology etc.) and justice (Aristotle, Rawls, Nozick etc).