Legal Policy & Industry Development

MinLaw ensures a sound and progressive legal framework that is relevant and modern; provides access to justice; and upholds the rule of law. It regularly reviews laws; proposes law reforms; and pursues new initiatives to strengthen the legal infrastructure. Such work covers a wide spectrum ranging from domestic civil law and criminal law, to public international law.

Land Policy & Administration

In Singapore, where the majority of the population owns homes, and where properties can be used as collateral in business activities, land rights are of vital social and economic importance to the people. As such, MinLaw is committed to improving the legal framework to ensure the security and integrity of land titles.

Intellectual Property Policy

A robust intellectual property rights regime is essential to encourage innovation, creativity and the growth of industry and commerce in Singapore. MinLaw is committed to help create an environment that is conducive for the development of IP, which covers patents, trade marks, copyright, registered designs, plant varieties protection, geographical indications, trade secrets and layout-design of integrated circuits.

Community Mediation

The Community Mediation Unit promotes the resolution of community disputes through mediation. Mediation is carried out in private between disputants by specially trained volunteers. They try to help disputants reach an amicable solution, and where necessary, a written settlement that binds the parties. The CMU currently operates three Community Mediation Centres throughout Singapore.

Bankruptcy Administration

The Official Assignee administers the affairs of bankrupts and the Official Receiver administers the affairs of wound-up companies. Both seek to recover assets from the insolvent to satisfy the debts owed to creditors while ensuring that the insolvent is treated fairly.

Public Trustee Services

The Public Trustee administers the estates of deceased persons, where the value of the estate does not exceed $50,000, as well as compensation in motor accident cases. The Public Trustee also maintains a confidential Wills Registry which acts as a central information centre for all Wills that are drawn up, of which notice has been given to the Public Trustee.

Moneylending & Pawnbroking Services

The Registry of Moneylenders and the Registry of Pawnbrokers respectively oversee the registration and regulation of moneylenders and pawnbrokers in Singapore.

Legal Aid

The Legal Aid Bureau ensures equal access to justice to persons of limited means, by providing them legal aid, including representing them in court. An applicant must meet the means and merits tests to qualify for legal aid. To avoid a conflict of interest in criminal cases, LAB only provides legal aid for civil matters which are handled by in-house lawyers and assigned volunteer lawyers.