Category: Current Affairs

One can now easily seek help via an online video consultation with a doctor, also commonly known as a telemedicine consultation. But what if after taking the medication prescribed, your discomfort persisted? Worst still, what if you found out that the telemedicine doctor had incorrectly diagnosed you? Could you sue the telemedicine company or the doctor? For those who are keen to try out a tele-consult, this article will guide you on some practical information you should be aware of, and the possible courses of actions you can take in the event of being misdiagnosed.

As Singapore becomes more globalised, there has been a significant increase in the number of international marriages. However, these relationships are not immune to the trials and tribulations of marriage. If you and your expatriate ex-spouse are divorced, and they decide to return to their home country, you may wonder if they can take your child with them. You may also worry that they may resort to extreme measures and take your child overseas without your consent. What can you do in such a situation?

In recent years, software programmers have developed computer programs that can automatically draft contractual terms and enter into a contract without human intervention. However, the lack of human oversight means that users of automated methods of contracting may sometimes make a mistake and inadvertently enter into a contract. Against this backdrop, this article seeks to inform users of automated means of contracting on: (a) the validity of such contracts; and (b) whether they are legally bound if they inadvertently enter into such contracts.

*Written by: Lin Shuang Ju I. IntroductionCryptocurrency exchanges such as Binance have drawn scrutiny from regulators worldwide as public concerns over the use of cryptocurrency in money laundering and its high-risk nature emerge.[1] Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, was recently banned from offering services in Singapore after the Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”) found … Continue reading Insolvency in the Digital Age: Cryptocurrency and its Impact on the Law

Electronic transfers of money, such as bank transfers, are commonplace today. Mobile payment services such as PayLah! have made such transfers even easier – all you need is the other party’s mobile phone number. But what if you key in the wrong bank account number or phone number, which causes you to pay the wrong person? Can you get your money back? This article will explore your chances of getting your money back, as well as whether it is practical to pursue legal action.

Singapore is home to a multitude of religions and while Muslims form only 15.6% of the total population, our legal system provides for a Muslim to be governed by Syariah law. However, many Singaporeans do not understand what Syariah law entails or how it is enforced. This commentary seeks to answer the frequently-asked questions regarding this matter. First, we answer the question of what is Syariah law. Second, we elaborate on the persons affected by Syariah law. Third, we set out how Syariah law is administered, and finally, we discuss the substantive differences between Syariah law and “regular” law. “Regular” law in this discussion is confined to the domain of family law in Singapore.

You’ve been running a home-based food business. One day, you’re in the kitchen when you hear your phone buzz. Is this a new order? You pick up the phone, ready for the good news. To your horror, you hear an angry lady shouting at you, claiming that she has suffered food poisoning from your cakes. This lady has threatened to sue you, unless you pay her compensation. This scenario is a nightmare for any home-based food business owner. This article highlights three questions for owners of home-based food businesses to consider when caught in such a situation: (1) when preparing the food, did you adhere to the Singapore Food Agency Guidelines on Food Safety and Hygiene Practices (“SFA Guidelines”)?; (2) was your food the actual cause of the customer’s food poisoning?; and (3) what is the customer seeking compensation for?

From the time of application to the time a Personal Protection Order (“PPO”) is granted, the applicant could still be exposed to violence from the family member. The expedited protection order (“EPO”) is a temporary PPO that serves to protect the applicant while the PPO application is pending. This article summarises the law on EPOs and offers information on what to do when an EPO is issued against you.

Year 2 LL.B. student Isabelle Lim examines the interplay between deterrence, rehabilitation and judicial mercy in sentencing and evaluates how well the judiciary has struck a balance between these competing principles. Whilst the judiciary clearly favours deterrence over judicial mercy in sentencing, the common perception that the judiciary prioritises deterrence over rehabilitation is not necessarily true. Further, cases where deterrent sentences were meted out to youth offenders and offenders with mental disorders do not evidence inconsistency in sentencing or a disproportionate focus on deterrence, for a closer examination of such cases reveals compelling facts justifying a departure from rehabilitation as the primary sentencing principle.

Singapore's criminal justice system prefers deterrence over other sentencing considerations. However, where sentencing outcomes seemingly defy this expectation, claims of inconsistency oversimplify the delicate balance between sentencing considerations. Rather, to appreciate the consistencies within Singapore's sentencing framework, it is necessary to understand the intricate workings of its application and administration. Year 2 LL.B. students John Hoy and Damien Teo deconstruct the concept of consistency, before exploring the dichotomy between the metric of consistency utilised by the public on one hand and the judiciary on the other.