Palm Tree Justice II  

Visitors to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) will be forgiven if they mistake its acronym for Coconut Palm Investigation Bureau, given the proliferation of coconut trees along the frontage of the building, lending a deceptively festive and holiday resort feel to what strikes fear in the heart of many an errant accused person.

A Woolf in Sheep’s Clothing No More ?

Another face of justice may follow hot on the heels of the new phase (and pace) of justice in the United Kingdom. Re-opening the debate over judicial dress, the Lord Chief Justice of England, Lord Woolf, questioned why British judges did not copy their American counterparts with their ‘dignified attire’ of plain black robes and no wigs. This was said at a ceremony in the Royal Gallery at the Palace of Westminster amongst senior judges, (including the Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine of Lairg), who were resplendent in ceremonial ermine-lined robes and full bottomed wigs.

His Lordship may well have cited the Singapore example where the judiciary has also long done away with wigs and heavy robes, a relic of the colonial past!

Those who can’t — Judge?

After welcoming the proposed Judicial Education Scheme, the acting President of the solicitors’ representative body, the Law Institute of Victoria, was quoted saying that ‘Confidence in judges and magistrates is integral to our system of justice, so any practical plan that furthers this is in the public interest.

'What was curious though, was the concluding remark

If adopted, the working party’s plan would permit outstanding lawyers, who may not have had extensive experience in court work, to become well qualified for the role of judge or magistrate.’

‘Discounted Casket’

We know that June is the month of the Great Singapore Sale, but a recent advertisement seen in several issues of The Senior Citizen seems to meet the demand for good bargains just too well. How’s that for the sixth ‘C’?

President On-line

Paying heed to the call by Russian President Vladimir Putin, albeit to world leaders, our President has arranged for a President’s email account at the Law Society for members who have a quick idea or feedback on any issue.

Tony@no10.gov.uk or Vlad@kremlin.gov.ru may yet to become a reality but President@lawsoc.org.sg goes online this month.

As for the fear of email not being the most secure form of communication, Mr Palakrishnan quipped ‘I doubt I would be made privy to state secrets, important though every member’s feedback must be!’

But if there are lingering fears of an e-vaesdropper, members are welcome to meet the President, face-to-face, at his regular fortnightly sessions. Something not many world leaders can boast of.