Changes to boost access to civil justice proposed

Public to be consulted on moves to transform system, like judges playing more active role

Justice Steven Chong said core concepts in civil law procedure would remain but rules would be simplified and restructured.
Justice Steven Chong said core concepts in civil law procedure would remain but rules would be simplified and restructured.
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Proposed changes to civil procedures by an appointed commission will transform and not merely reform the justice system, said Judge of Appeal Steven Chong, who noted the public will be consulted on the proposals.

Some of the moves include having judges play a more active role in civil cases, removing archaic terms and using plain English instead, and giving litigants an idea of the fixed cost involved in court proceedings to help them decide whether to proceed.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 26, 2018, with the headline Changes to boost access to civil justice proposed. Subscribe