Briefing to CDCs and FSCs About the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme | Spring will be a Little Late
Twenty-six representatives from various Community Development Centres ('CDCs') and Family Service Centres ('FSCs') attended a briefing to learn more about the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme ('CLAS'). The purpose of the briefing was to bring information about CLAS to the heartlanders via the CDCs and FSCs.
Dr Lincoln Wee, Director of CLAS, gave the briefing at the Law Society on 6 July 2001. Although it has been established since 1985, CLAS feels that it still needs to reach out to more people in the community, as well as to spread the word that criminal legal assistance is available for the poor and needy. With 116,000 households in Singapore having an income of less than $1,000 per month, there is a potentially large group of people who can actually qualify for CLAS and can be helped by CLAS lawyers should they be charged in court.
Here is a quick look at what CLAS is about and what the scheme offers:
Representatives at the briefing were encouraged to refer their clients to CLAS if the need arises. CLAS will conduct interviews and a means test with applicants to verify that they qualify for assistance. Presently, the income test caps a single applicant's net income at not more than $850 a month, and married applicants' combined net income at not more than $1,050 per month. In addition, an assessment of the applicant's disposable assets is also carried out as part of the process to determine if an applicant qualifies for aid.
Dr Wee was quick to point out that CLAS is by no means rigid about its means test, and he encouraged the CDCs and FSCs to give feedback on whether the criteria for the means test is realistic. Furthermore, where there are extenuating circumstances, Dr Wee assured the representatives, the CLAS Committee has a residual discretion to grant aid to persons who, based on the means test, may not qualify.
Judging from the positive responses and enthusiastic questions posed during the briefing, it is hoped that the welfare organisations will help to increase public awareness of CLAS. In so doing, CLAS will be able to fulfill its objectives of rendering more aid to those who really need it.
Pamphlets, application forms (in all the four major languages) and more information is available directly from CLAS which is located at the Subordinate Courts. Their contact numbers are 532 3105 and 534 1564. Alternatively, log on to their website at www.lawsoc.org.sg and download the pamphlets and application forms in PDF format.
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| An encouraging turnout by representatives from the CDCs and FSCs |
Sharmaine Lau
Law Society of Singapore
 Memorising scripts can be so much fun |
The Law IV Production is an event that needs no introduction. Over the years, this NUS Faculty of Law production has explored various genres, ranging from concerts to plays, but its objectives have remained the same - to showcase the musical and theatrical talents of law students from the graduating class, as well as to raise funds for charity. This year's production will be no different - the class of 2002 is proud to present a wholly original musical entitled Spring Will be a Little Late. |
Set against the glitz and glamour of Shanghai in the 1930s, Spring Will be a Little Late is a light-hearted tale that explores the theme of love and marriage in a changing world. The protagonists, Han Sheng and Siew Mei, are two lovebirds who intend to get married. However, they face substantial opposition from their parents, who view the match as a misfit due to their diametrically opposed social backgrounds and status. Further obstacles lie their way - an eccentric schoolteacher with lust on his mind and an aspiring songbird with fame on hers. What will become of Han Sheng and Siew Mei in the end? Will they overcome all odds to be together? Or will they be defeated in the face of these trials and tribulations?
The beneficiary of this year's Law IV Production is the Autistic Association (Singapore). Autism is a developmental condition that affects the way a person communicates with, and relates to, people around him or her. This condition is quite often coupled with learning disabilities. However, with early intervention, chances of the person reaching his or her full potential in adulthood are high.
In aid of the Autistic Association, two performances will be staged at the University Cultural Centre of NUS on 1 and 2 September (Saturday and Sunday respectively), the latter being the Gala Night with DPM Lee Hsien Loong and Ms Ho Ching as the guests-of-honour. Judges, senior lawyers, senior officials from NUS and other distinguished guests are also expected to be present.
Preparations for the Law IV Production have already begun in earnest. This
production provides an excellent opportunity for law graduates to rekindle
school memories and meet up with fellow law school friends. This will also be a
good chance for you to show your support for the less fortunate. So whip out
your diaries and take note of the performance dates. Spring Will be a Little
Late promises you a barrel of laughs, with just the right dose of romance, and a
performance that will transport you back to the golden age of Shanghai, to
witness a little love in a big city.
 Members of the case practising in earnest |
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