ABSTRACT
At the heart of constitutional interpretation is the struggle between, on the one hand, fidelity to founding meanings, and, on the other hand, creative interpretation to suit the context and needs of an evolving society. This book considers the recent growth of constitutional cases in Singapore in the last ten years. It examines the underpinnings of Singapore’s constitutional system, explores how Singapore courts have dealt with issues related to rights and power, and sets developments in Singapore in the wider context of new thinking and constitutional developments worldwide. It argues that Singapore is witnessing a shift in legal and political culture as both judges and citizens display an increasing willingness to engage with constitutional ideas and norms.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|116 pages
Theoretical frameworks
chapter 2|18 pages
Does the ‘basic structure doctrine' apply in Singapore’s Constitution?
part II|118 pages
Interrogating assumptions
chapter 7|29 pages
Balancing act
chapter 8|22 pages
The broader case for developing the content of fundamental rules of natural justice under Article 9 of the Constitution
chapter 9|45 pages
Whither the autochthonous narrative of freedom of speech?
part III|63 pages
Rethinking boundaries